tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78234952753208117102024-02-10T06:54:37.014-08:00General Motors High-Performance BlogBrian Hensley http://www.blogger.com/profile/13992389807220431984noreply@blogger.comBlogger178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823495275320811710.post-64420419417334723602024-02-07T07:08:00.000-08:002024-02-07T07:08:52.349-08:00Rare Chevrolet 454 SS Half-Ton Pick-Up From The Early '90s<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_MnMGUOXsqL9SnbeoM-S101OFu_JKVVTkfOx0etyASoqlB1qmFMusa5OGhUkdCHci3Z7E7-VfxRQ8NDmpitO9XLrK4yzboGjFrn6p4JG1ZLpIlfTJnrv6Hb1yAIBo2HR4kXMndDfzdc/s1200/1990-chevrolet-454-ss-pickup.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="1990 Chevy SS" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_MnMGUOXsqL9SnbeoM-S101OFu_JKVVTkfOx0etyASoqlB1qmFMusa5OGhUkdCHci3Z7E7-VfxRQ8NDmpitO9XLrK4yzboGjFrn6p4JG1ZLpIlfTJnrv6Hb1yAIBo2HR4kXMndDfzdc/w400-h266/1990-chevrolet-454-ss-pickup.jpg" title="454 SS Chevy" width="400" /></a></p><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">With only 17,000 produced between 1990-93, these Chevy 454 SS trucks are some of the rarest <a href="http://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2013/09/chevrolet-colorado-and-gmc-canyon.html" target="_blank">Chevrolet C1500s</a> of the 90s. In fact, purchasing one of these badasses was the only way you could get a 454 cu.-in. big-block stock in a half-ton truck. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">There is nothing really too special about these trucks. Let's face it, in this day and age, a higher trim-modeled crossover could take it off the line and beat down the quarter-mile. But it is outfitted for a 454, meaning a healthier one could be built and dropped in with no problem. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Also, it's a truck, and you can always do some cool stuff to a truck. A Cowl Induction hood, lowering springs, rims, etc. — with the right imagination, you can turn a 454 SS truck into a show stopper without hurting its original value. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHLJHADIX3VPVrHxboHIjq2qX9HTuAeLEtzkzHQFpva9lEEA6gJM50A6eBxbTkEsOYYrge3z7hrpdxdtz5nKpIfNrBkWuXjkInOgwbXhnqakK_D8dfn0y2omXiPp2sE4Og4GGyteDsmY/s720/D7EA30DB-1E3C-42A6-B2FB-B7F2ADE8435A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHLJHADIX3VPVrHxboHIjq2qX9HTuAeLEtzkzHQFpva9lEEA6gJM50A6eBxbTkEsOYYrge3z7hrpdxdtz5nKpIfNrBkWuXjkInOgwbXhnqakK_D8dfn0y2omXiPp2sE4Og4GGyteDsmY/s320/D7EA30DB-1E3C-42A6-B2FB-B7F2ADE8435A.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h3><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Power and Specifications</span></h3><h3><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;"> <span style="font-size: large;">230 - 255 horsepower</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">385 - 405 lb.-ft. of torque</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">HD 4-speed automatic transmission</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">3:71.1 - 4:10 rear-end ratio </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">10 mpg city</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">500 lbs. max payload</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Dual exhaust</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Bilstein Shocks</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">7.7 seconds 0-60 mph </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">15.9 seconds 87 mph - 1/4 mile</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Colors: Black / Summit White / Victory</span></li></ul><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcoxJ8WUgBmxR3OV24srFIVXGbUm4qP7TFwByWLmAznyaNwlhsr1wX5mrpkv9nAGGQDvGvR1K8XbwhZYd7_2njA6T6IRQnPchCenWqPtQdFzCUxWR5sChJMcK-omQTzdp7oz7V-Pi3zmM/s500/unnamed+%25283%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="Chevrolet 454 SS" border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcoxJ8WUgBmxR3OV24srFIVXGbUm4qP7TFwByWLmAznyaNwlhsr1wX5mrpkv9nAGGQDvGvR1K8XbwhZYd7_2njA6T6IRQnPchCenWqPtQdFzCUxWR5sChJMcK-omQTzdp7oz7V-Pi3zmM/w320-h240/unnamed+%25283%2529.jpg" title="1993 454 SS Truck" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">The Chevy 454 SS trucks had some serious competition in the early 90s — <a href="http://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2021/02/the-dog-days-of-sports-cars-back-in.html" target="_blank">the GMC Cyclone, Typhoon</a>, and the Ford Lighting. But for Chevy, this was their way of showing everyone that people still craved a big-block even if it wasn't the fastest truck on the market. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">You might come across one of these <a href="https://www.motortrend.com/features/chevy-muscle-trucks/" target="_blank">sweet Chevys</a> for sale with a nice price tag on it. They are not very sought-after by vehicle collectors right now, so if you find one in good shape, it might not be a bad investment. They have the potential to be nice little street cruisers with a lot of old-school power. And for you old-school gearheads, that might be a class you'd fit right into. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div></h3>Brian Hensley http://www.blogger.com/profile/13992389807220431984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823495275320811710.post-10365781973605213682023-11-25T13:06:00.000-08:002023-12-14T11:09:53.653-08:001959 Corvette: Unbeatable Purple People Eater MKIII<p> <span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdbFN9TQXEJRr1_yb6gQAHF63dBUqrzIb4s0VVYuaJ48U3RNYqqXsFeqw5p2FFMc5-YwW59B9dC3kp_5N1wEXzrKttmPQE8I5rNRmRel_avOnjJBBZLCStE9ol2VXX7QT-p8PofP4-dc/s720/40820.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1959 Corvette Purple Eater MKIII" border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="720" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdbFN9TQXEJRr1_yb6gQAHF63dBUqrzIb4s0VVYuaJ48U3RNYqqXsFeqw5p2FFMc5-YwW59B9dC3kp_5N1wEXzrKttmPQE8I5rNRmRel_avOnjJBBZLCStE9ol2VXX7QT-p8PofP4-dc/w400-h281/40820.jpg" title="Corvette" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-43ae3390-7fff-677f-f066-8006d8d0834b"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><h1 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">1959 Corvette Purple People Eater MKIII</span></h1><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Oddly enough, this</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="http://corvetterepair.com/portfolio/purple-people-eater">Corvette</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> was named after the very odd song - "One Eye, One Horn, Flying Purple People Eater”, a Sheb Wooley hit back in the 50s. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">There were two reasons for the paint job and the name for this 1959 Corvette. The idea for the paint job was because the Corvette racing team was having trouble finding their car in the pits and on the track - all the cars looked too similar to one another. Kind of like finding your car in a mall parking lot on the weekend, the week before Christmas.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">So a standout color scheme was born. The color scheme that was created was a metallic purple for the base color and bright white for the trim and decals. Next, they needed a name for the Corvette, so they decided on the</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/purple-people-eater-1959-chevrolet-corvette-mkiii" target="_blank">"Purple People Eater"</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. It was kind of a no-brainer since the song itself was topping the charts in 1958-59, and the Purple People Eater Corvette was eating up all the competition on the track every single weekend.</span></p><h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-top: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nickey Chevrolet In Chicago</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></h2><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Back in the 50s, a lot of racing teams were owned by dealerships and this Corvette team was no different.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="http://www.nickeyperformance.com/about-nickey/nickey-history/" target="_blank">Nickey Chevrolet in Chicago</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> was the owner of this team and, at the time, the largest factory dealership specializing in high-performance muscle car sales and service. Their parts department functioned as a huge speed shop. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">When it came time for the Nickey Chevrolet Race Team to hire a driver and a mechanic, Nickey Chevrolet took some help and advice from none other than the legendary Zora Arkus-Duntov, the Corvette engineer and designer who made Corvette what it is today. Zora suggested they use an aggressive driver named Jim Jeffords and a talented mechanic who was known as the guy who could turn a “Javelin into a competitive race car," Ronnie Kaplan. </span></p><br /><h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-top: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The “Purple People Eater” Corvette Eating Up The Competition</span></h2><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Purple People Eater Corvettes (yes, there were three altogether) raced during the ‘58 and ‘59 seasons. During that time, they won the</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="https://www.scca.com/">SCCA National B-Production</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> titles and a race at Nassau Speed Week. During the 1959 season, the cars never finished worse than second place in any race, always making the Purple People Eater the car to beat at the track.</span></p><br /><h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-top: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ordering Your Own Corvette With Race Specs</span></h2><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">If you ordered a factory Corvette with race specs in the late 1950s, you received a Corvette with heater delete, and a heavy-duty brake and suspension package. </span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSI0-0IiDuRzXKq26NNqG2xT1wmxloDdYFSFgMplFJSEH1mOxIuRCqV_ZyrDcC3HDNlb6Kij5oQo_RmHGZXPgOjLg7jH6edtX03bNOCSoOug4iz0uZ0QlHt35LBDX4ik6w2kMgimoLtyw/s1000/185783_Engine_Web+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="285 cu.-in. Chevy engine" border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSI0-0IiDuRzXKq26NNqG2xT1wmxloDdYFSFgMplFJSEH1mOxIuRCqV_ZyrDcC3HDNlb6Kij5oQo_RmHGZXPgOjLg7jH6edtX03bNOCSoOug4iz0uZ0QlHt35LBDX4ik6w2kMgimoLtyw/w320-h213/185783_Engine_Web+%25281%2529.jpg" title="Chevrolet Corvette" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Corvette came with a</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="https://www.enginefacts.com/chevrolet283/" target="_blank">283 Chevrolet V-8</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> with factory Rochester fuel injection and a four-speed manual transmission, the same way the Purple People Eater was raced. In an interview, Kaplan said, "GM helped with some technical advice, and I got that fuel injection figured out pretty quick." It was very reliable. I told Jim to keep that engine at about 6,000 rpm, and it never broke. He is a very big, strong man and was tough on equipment. I swear he could break off a shifter." </span></p><br /><h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-top: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Where Did The Purple People Eater End Up?</span></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTwL6mSW-7dHe6wLlp8ztxPYJBfhP5o7Zvta6i9rUhmsuM71F3HkB6jtj5AnZ-azM25AIsrdcp7hW3lKQkWxF3aFGsAwvaH5Pnfc3RrqnlHQhImGd6OdXG0Ch5n-6HWL_ZEbS7YId4aY/s1280/maxresdefault+%25281%2529.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTwL6mSW-7dHe6wLlp8ztxPYJBfhP5o7Zvta6i9rUhmsuM71F3HkB6jtj5AnZ-azM25AIsrdcp7hW3lKQkWxF3aFGsAwvaH5Pnfc3RrqnlHQhImGd6OdXG0Ch5n-6HWL_ZEbS7YId4aY/s320/maxresdefault+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The last one known to exist is the</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="https://www.thethings.com/facts-about-the-1959-purple-people-eater-corvette/" target="_blank">“Purple People Eater MKIII”</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. It was sold for $800 to a Chip Miller and Ken Heckert, who raced the 1959 Corvette for a short time at Autocross events. Not knowing its future historical significance, it was parked and used as a workbench for a very long time.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">After 14 years of being a garage workbench, the sharp eye of car expert/enthusiast Mike Philsbury notices that there were a few things different about some of the parts and options on the car. After some deep research, Mike, Chip, and Ken confirmed that they were eating their lunch every day on the 1959 Corvette “Purple People Eater MKIII”. </span></p><br /><h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-top: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The American Heritage Award In 2002</span></h2><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Knowing what they knew, Chip and Ken went to work and restored the Corvette back to its racing form - color and all. </span></p><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In 2002, the Corvette was awarded the</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="https://www.americanheritage.com/american-heritage-society-awards" target="_blank">American Heritage Award</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. Thanks to two guys who just wanted a Corvette to go autocross racing in, and a car enthusiast named Mike Philsbury, the 1959 Corvette “Purple People Eater MKIII” lives on. </span></span></span>Brian Hensley http://www.blogger.com/profile/13992389807220431984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823495275320811710.post-39177920013523186302023-11-09T05:23:00.000-08:002023-11-18T07:11:32.362-08:001966 Chevrolet Corvair Yenko Stinger: Rare And Cool<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Df7wut5FRxpT9tLG_x1KOhopAOuI8UYyMGKVquKxwAPCLgWjou4lNzqxTtVwVRQPselmDM0hHq_D0PxS2Qdp9aYJmhzl3EwTt-4Ga_wHdrLgfHCha6Z35923xjTyvuW_wvrofRDuZl4crNT9wZKzUYerwnS8hqlZmv3derDfjfXGNZesywRZXtcvtX8/s616/1966%20Coviar.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1966 Chevrolet Corvair Yenko Stinger" border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="616" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Df7wut5FRxpT9tLG_x1KOhopAOuI8UYyMGKVquKxwAPCLgWjou4lNzqxTtVwVRQPselmDM0hHq_D0PxS2Qdp9aYJmhzl3EwTt-4Ga_wHdrLgfHCha6Z35923xjTyvuW_wvrofRDuZl4crNT9wZKzUYerwnS8hqlZmv3derDfjfXGNZesywRZXtcvtX8/w400-h205/1966%20Coviar.png" title="1966 Chevrolet Corvair Yenko Stinger" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Everyone should know about the iconic late 60s and earlier 70s Yenko drag cars that donated the tracks—<a href="https://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2023/04/chevrolet-chevelle-muscle-car-legend.html" target="_blank">Camaro, Nova, and Chevelle.</a> But would you be alarmed to know that Don Yenko was working his high-performance magic long before those muscle cars came along? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Don Yenko had his eyes on a different type of racing before he built horsepower heavy-drag cars. In the late 50s to the mid-60s, he was into road course racing. He first was racing Corvettes professionally but was getting beat pretty consistently by the Shebly. Don realized the reason was the Corvettes had become just too heavy to compete. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrvrXMqlFeb9ra5BQ6VsU-_Q8a3DW98g3j87zAhVxTLDc8Zvp4ONsKBBM1mMTO5vSfMgwS0THAWFt_jeWHGLclMekAxSLKy09J-sGXud9CLf9EYfddTPKT40WVND94pStPLpDE0E6QVmMENCBzUyvEUMSvnDFbrQvkMEiUCvQfW5eG28OnFkzTlLn9TU/s260/Corviar%20Corsa.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Corvair Corsa" border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="260" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrvrXMqlFeb9ra5BQ6VsU-_Q8a3DW98g3j87zAhVxTLDc8Zvp4ONsKBBM1mMTO5vSfMgwS0THAWFt_jeWHGLclMekAxSLKy09J-sGXud9CLf9EYfddTPKT40WVND94pStPLpDE0E6QVmMENCBzUyvEUMSvnDFbrQvkMEiUCvQfW5eG28OnFkzTlLn9TU/w400-h298/Corviar%20Corsa.jpg" title="Corvair Corsa" width="400" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Enter The Corvair Corsa</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The <a href="https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/1966-69-yenko-stinger" target="_blank">Corvair Corsa</a> weighed 500 pounds less than the Corvette, making it a very viable candidate for some of Yenko's genius power upgrades. So in true Don Yenko fashion, he went to the drawing board and came up with the blueprint needed to retrieve the success he was looking for. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Yenko Upgrades For The Corvair</span></h3><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Forged Pistons</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Ported Cylinder Heads</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">High-Performance Distributor</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Stiffer Suspension</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Cadillac Dual Master Cylinders for Brakes</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Light Weight Flywheel</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Four Speed Manual</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Limited-Slip Differential (3.89 rear gears)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Added Oil Cooler</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Quicker Steering Ratio</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Removed Rear Seats (making it eligible to be labeled a sports car and save on weight)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Front Spoiler</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Rear Fiber Glass Engine Cover w/Spoiler</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Aftermarket Steering Wheel</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>Time To Get In Sync With SCCA Regulations</b> </span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It turns out that the <a href="https://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2021/02/1970-1973-split-bumper-camaro-rs.html" target="_blank">SCCA</a> didn't have too much of a problem with the new Corvair race car entering the competition. Instead of giving <a href="https://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2020/12/difference-between-yenko-camaro-and.html" target="_blank">Don Yenko</a> a hard time, the SCCA's two biggest requests to give the car the SCCA homologation (stamp of approval) were to have at least 100 road-capable Yenko Stingers produced and to have the car painted in white and blue. White and blue were the American colors used to identify American cars on the race course, as every country had its own color codes to follow. </span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Needing to have all 100 cars done by January 1st, 1966 to compete in 1966—already being late November gave Don one month to complete the project. Don and his men worked long hours, seven days a week, all through December with the expectation of one day, and that was Christmas. Despite the grips and grimes of the overworked workers, they proudly finished the quota in time. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yiH2fPAPxup3ruRAEiTOJAZk9mTwikjD-H3v1GO4x3KfFocNUev_3pDISfiaXwxBXe4l8P_d2eX9NdOtTH9va_rqBQ4AbVZPwhKrJbKg-woJ2k7oUXMIBL3OSuXA7LeeIibK83kYQH6-XlbgfJhas3vUuX4cmW5of0tgrmBMzje6yBzYt3fURZlhY_U/s600/1966-yenko-stinger-engine.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Covair Yenko Engine Bay" border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="600" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yiH2fPAPxup3ruRAEiTOJAZk9mTwikjD-H3v1GO4x3KfFocNUev_3pDISfiaXwxBXe4l8P_d2eX9NdOtTH9va_rqBQ4AbVZPwhKrJbKg-woJ2k7oUXMIBL3OSuXA7LeeIibK83kYQH6-XlbgfJhas3vUuX4cmW5of0tgrmBMzje6yBzYt3fURZlhY_U/w400-h303/1966-yenko-stinger-engine.jpg" title="Covair Yenko Engine Bay" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Four Separate Power Levels</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">All Stingers came with a 165 cu.-in. (2.7-liter) flat-six engine setup with four carburetors that offered four different Yenko power options. The base Yenko option came with roughly 160 horsepower, from there it went up a level to 190 horsepower, then leveled up to 220 horsepower, and for the big dog of them all, you could get one with 240 horsepower. The different options were mainly so the Yenko Stinger could qualify to race in all road course classes. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Interesting Fact </span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Yenko's daughter received a Stinger to drive when she first got her driver's license. Two weeks into driving, she had an unfortunate accident that sent her headfirst into a utility poll. Because of the engine being in the rear and the spare tire being in the front trunk, the Corvair basically bounced off the poll instead of crushing the front end and sending the engine into the front seat. For the car that has been dubbed "unsafe at all speeds," Yenko's daughter calls it the car that is "safe at all speeds." </span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Brian Hensley http://www.blogger.com/profile/13992389807220431984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823495275320811710.post-30941807101701981572023-10-06T14:44:00.004-07:002023-11-18T06:57:08.184-08:001970 Buick GSX Stage 1 455: Ten Things To Know About The Torque Monster Muscle Car <div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGu3q3GRlAqpg5eyREH59NeBIcSomXTkqP1bPgiMChx6PMKwOmwWeF6f8Gdq3B4zbYoTFLASwpibIlMlaDqYUfczIfGdtRXCBHiUPq1bHwWvRFWb-gxpBjkfJ1IfvcVTGRWmTUGM-EJBDF7dR7BqBQRnQGZmg1mZQsBkh1hGyoWIj389FZalZ0XVZNnAw/s1024/1970-buick-gsx-stage-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1970 Buick GSX" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGu3q3GRlAqpg5eyREH59NeBIcSomXTkqP1bPgiMChx6PMKwOmwWeF6f8Gdq3B4zbYoTFLASwpibIlMlaDqYUfczIfGdtRXCBHiUPq1bHwWvRFWb-gxpBjkfJ1IfvcVTGRWmTUGM-EJBDF7dR7BqBQRnQGZmg1mZQsBkh1hGyoWIj389FZalZ0XVZNnAw/w400-h266/1970-buick-gsx-stage-1.jpg" title="Stage One Buicks" width="400" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span>From 1970 to 1072, Buick sold their rare GSX muscle car to the public, finally getting an edge over their other A-Body competitors. The Chevelle SS, GTO Judge, and Olds 4-2-2 weren’t quite their enemies, but Buick needed to bring something to the table to compete with them. The GSX and the GSX Stage 1 did that and more for Buick. Hosting more power and torque, better times at the race track, a sportier suspension, and a </span>more comfortable interior with better materials, these classic cars put <a href="https://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2022/09/nhra-pro-stock-turbocharger.html" target="_blank">Buick</a> at the top of the muscle car list.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUXq_6Kd9boDgHKPitihmyUa6f6_lNN3-nKR2MeCB8yd8gIlR31-eSS8ItIJvWfiP2yRReRcfAemEukCp2WhyphenhyphenBaAS3w8PJIl84dMcWXN80GOHXADgAGay0GXmW66sMurH41Bl1a_b5ffdM6W_ZmA3EZaWBLfeGqMVHIZHhflT6tdKsxJhct6LHRvWHV8/s620/1970-gsx.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img alt="1970 Buick GSX Spoiler" border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="620" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUXq_6Kd9boDgHKPitihmyUa6f6_lNN3-nKR2MeCB8yd8gIlR31-eSS8ItIJvWfiP2yRReRcfAemEukCp2WhyphenhyphenBaAS3w8PJIl84dMcWXN80GOHXADgAGay0GXmW66sMurH41Bl1a_b5ffdM6W_ZmA3EZaWBLfeGqMVHIZHhflT6tdKsxJhct6LHRvWHV8/w400-h271/1970-gsx.jpg" title="Buick 455" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">With eye-catching stripes, a front and rear spoiler, a hood tach, and the GS ram air hood, the GSX was definitely a car that would get you noticed when driving down the road. And if you felt like you weren’t getting noticed enough, a pedal-to-the-metal action to activate Buick's massive torque offering would burn the tires off with ease—letting everyone around you know that your </span><a href="https://www.hotcars.com/tag/buick-gsx/" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 2px solid rgb(239, 10, 60); border-image: initial; border-left: none; border-radius: 0px; border-right: none; border-top: none; box-sizing: inherit; color: #181818; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Buick GSX</strong></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"> meant business. Tough to drive when you lack traction, but fun to drive if you knew what you were doing.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #181818; line-height: 1.7em; margin: 0px 0px 2rem; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">All the muscle cars from this era were fun, but they were being produced on borrowed time. When the full weight of stricter emissions standards was implicated, the muscle car industry and its success in pleasing gearheads were over.<br /><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #181818; line-height: 1.7em; margin: 0px 0px 2rem; padding: 0px;"></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: white;">10.</span></b><span> </span><b>The GS455 Stage 1 Didn't Draw Enough Attention</b></span></h3><p></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #181818; line-height: 1.7em; margin: 0px 0px 2rem; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUTzJvRqE4OOdjabrx1TgT5ztAElWEdVebl09awEaGuyGzH6IZt2EpiSvyD2xop8ZECQQRmMnPMyo6yHaB_smgU_58qo_BHIYibAHvKZXeaWhzMJC53zASjuiCGEBapmIz85TeymqwTcZuXe-J06XGFfb7IMlDYNdI19LFKhI3sRCXXxxYFzVOcjPv_M/s1920/Black%20GSX.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1970 Buick GS455" border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUTzJvRqE4OOdjabrx1TgT5ztAElWEdVebl09awEaGuyGzH6IZt2EpiSvyD2xop8ZECQQRmMnPMyo6yHaB_smgU_58qo_BHIYibAHvKZXeaWhzMJC53zASjuiCGEBapmIz85TeymqwTcZuXe-J06XGFfb7IMlDYNdI19LFKhI3sRCXXxxYFzVOcjPv_M/w400-h266/Black%20GSX.jpg" title="Buick Muscle Cars" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">Although the Buick GS Stage 1 shared the same A-body structure as the GTO Judge, </span><a href="https://www.hotcars.com/heres-how-much-a-classic-chevelle-ss-is-worth-today/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 2px solid rgb(239, 10, 60); border-image: initial; border-left: none; border-radius: 0px; border-right: none; border-top: none; box-sizing: inherit; color: #181818; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Chevelle SS</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">, and the Oldsmobile 422, Buick just couldn't get their sales up because they couldn't shake the stigma of being a car that your grandmother would drive. So mid-way through the production year of 1970, Buick came out with the stout, sporty-looking </span><strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #181818;"><a href="https://www.hotcars.com/tag/buick-gsx/" style="border-bottom: 2px solid rgb(239, 10, 60); border-image: initial; border-left: none; border-radius: 0px; border-right: none; border-top: none; box-sizing: inherit; color: #181818; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;">Buick GSX</a></strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><b><span style="background-color: #2b00fe; color: white;">9.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"> The Buick GSXs Are Limited Edition</span></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #181818;"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #181818;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-eXZ4czvxqynpM58GNR5WVnLPI5cHB_etibBpVRE6jNCi6QE3LL30S7EyuvfhqQI6x0T57PCsNgEgk_4bm35oghf7CIS8Brrir78RnPL2f8q_gYFkVobLJlUcv_kH0N4e7eO1hyphenhyphenR-5yCulsZf4cQ-LxiXgdZV5wLZZ2tzJ-5SfcdVpLlLPeWblYVvz8E/s305/Withe%20GSX.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="White Buick GSX" border="0" data-original-height="165" data-original-width="305" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-eXZ4czvxqynpM58GNR5WVnLPI5cHB_etibBpVRE6jNCi6QE3LL30S7EyuvfhqQI6x0T57PCsNgEgk_4bm35oghf7CIS8Brrir78RnPL2f8q_gYFkVobLJlUcv_kH0N4e7eO1hyphenhyphenR-5yCulsZf4cQ-LxiXgdZV5wLZZ2tzJ-5SfcdVpLlLPeWblYVvz8E/w400-h216/Withe%20GSX.jpg" title="1970 Buick GSX" width="400" /></a></div><br /></b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It may not seem like it because there is an abundance of GSXs out there, but many of them are clones. If you go to the <a href="https://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2022/05/1982-buick-grand-national-history.html" target="_blank">GS Nationals in Kentucky</a>, it’ll seem like there are way more than just the numbers that are shown to be produced. But thanks to companies like T/A Performance from Arizona—people have the opportunity to own an almost identical GSX without paying the price of a low-mileage real GSX.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-ohtYwYXY7H9uvUHzi4y_C5AAIVPmEMN9vgXAfhrr2yhNLEu9WDE841pEDsnhvSVE8mSDdFKHKfO3qqZlR9JUPsYhmSmMCQKTLkabuyQNNVPm5YM-EL7c5qM_ZZlQJalTgr9iq56Ppcf_TX2uoaLZ4R04p_uZ5Ow5pmZA7zHbvRumpM7aw9GQdVw-CY/s736/Black%20Gold%20GSX.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img alt="Black and Gold Buick GSX" border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="736" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-ohtYwYXY7H9uvUHzi4y_C5AAIVPmEMN9vgXAfhrr2yhNLEu9WDE841pEDsnhvSVE8mSDdFKHKfO3qqZlR9JUPsYhmSmMCQKTLkabuyQNNVPm5YM-EL7c5qM_ZZlQJalTgr9iq56Ppcf_TX2uoaLZ4R04p_uZ5Ow5pmZA7zHbvRumpM7aw9GQdVw-CY/w400-h251/Black%20Gold%20GSX.jpg" title="Black and Gold Buick GSX" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Nowadays, with the way technology is, it is very hard to tell the difference between a real GSX and a clone without an official build sheet. But to put the numbers in perspective, there were 678 Buick GSXs built in 1970, 124 built in 1971, and only 44 built in 1972. Sure, building a clone for a good price as an average car guy is a good thing, but for the serious car collector, it makes it seem their super rare numbers matching GSX is a little less important or rare when you can’t tell the difference between a real one and an imposter.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b><span style="background-color: #2b00fe; color: white;">8.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"> Autmoblies to "To Light Your Fire" Buick's Slogan</span></b></span></span></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfJVDLrNwl6pCpexH1DRIyO4kyUwTlq-85LDx9SQCo5fs6Bs0XtTiWsF-zOFf2na6p-iq6plLHXeDcuehVQgjC24HpLNI1p02IgEg0ezFUn9lHBVgrFbzP-CGq9Uc0xrm2gJKQHVhygwcfDdNeYbPrg_LmyDva956d1954mkPHU5pPRwKhcXGpFqp-oU/s301/Light%20My%20Fire.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Buick "Light Your Fire"" border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="301" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfJVDLrNwl6pCpexH1DRIyO4kyUwTlq-85LDx9SQCo5fs6Bs0XtTiWsF-zOFf2na6p-iq6plLHXeDcuehVQgjC24HpLNI1p02IgEg0ezFUn9lHBVgrFbzP-CGq9Uc0xrm2gJKQHVhygwcfDdNeYbPrg_LmyDva956d1954mkPHU5pPRwKhcXGpFqp-oU/w400-h223/Light%20My%20Fire.jpg" title="Buick "Light Your Fire"" width="400" /></a></div></b><span style="background-color: white;"><br />Depending on who you ask, either the Buick slogan campaign helped both Buick and the Doors or it helped Buick and hurt the Doors. The Slogan comes from a famous Doors song, <a href="https://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2021/03/1970-buick-gs-stage-2-myth-and-truth.html" target="_blank">“Come on, Baby, Light My Fire.”</a> GM paid the touring band $75,000 for the use of the words in print, radio, and TV ads. </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">The new GSX sport appearance package and the 1966 song lyrics were a campaign to bring the fire that the GSX needed to help Buick shake the grandma’s church-going grocery-getting reputation </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">it acquired in the past</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpkcIyZ64_PVa9BE1mnZne15bUesDnk5S874LVraxafgCD1aWlb4t-KfbuHlAancawoUGnKRURUllkzj7aj28d8BwJ1gkuzposxO3Dh4cvhwBfuBYJx88204vFUSk0r0AyNiSd2va8Jh9KJ5IOKoUdHhXZO-S4ZEE-S0W5JTUvXS6Zi01DmNriXelbsI/s700/Greeen%20and%20Black%20Buick%20GSX.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Black and Green Buick GSX" border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="700" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpkcIyZ64_PVa9BE1mnZne15bUesDnk5S874LVraxafgCD1aWlb4t-KfbuHlAancawoUGnKRURUllkzj7aj28d8BwJ1gkuzposxO3Dh4cvhwBfuBYJx88204vFUSk0r0AyNiSd2va8Jh9KJ5IOKoUdHhXZO-S4ZEE-S0W5JTUvXS6Zi01DmNriXelbsI/w400-h190/Greeen%20and%20Black%20Buick%20GSX.jpg" title="Black and Green Buick GSX" width="400" /></a><br /><br /></div></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">On tour at the time, minus Jim Morrison, the Doors had no problem with the idea, but Morrison was furious. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">Apparently, Morrison was so enraged that he threatened to set a Buick on fire on stage during their next concert. He wanted his bandmates and the band’s label (Elektra) to cancel the contract, but the damage had already been done.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b><span style="background-color: #2b00fe; color: white;">7.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"> Underrated Horsepower And Torque Rating</span></b></span></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="roboto, sans-serif" style="color: #181818;"><b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1alMftDPGTG7Sygbxar_56kEITrXDrXx0zv1ACsfbkee_Bn2FZ3jlgu79xQSl5MeI4RbUC3AaBzn7UlvcPRwL1VNAS5IGd5flo-laQvt6wz3UJyfuToLNz2k54LCCDPdUi-w4xPixVGv3BTgar4EJD3tgzeW5bqLGmKp8-hWVFlx4BKISYP3MsnRsPw/s277/GS%20Buick%20455%20Stage%201%20Engine%20Bay.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="GS Buick 455 Stage 1 Engine Bay" border="0" data-original-height="182" data-original-width="277" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1alMftDPGTG7Sygbxar_56kEITrXDrXx0zv1ACsfbkee_Bn2FZ3jlgu79xQSl5MeI4RbUC3AaBzn7UlvcPRwL1VNAS5IGd5flo-laQvt6wz3UJyfuToLNz2k54LCCDPdUi-w4xPixVGv3BTgar4EJD3tgzeW5bqLGmKp8-hWVFlx4BKISYP3MsnRsPw/w400-h263/GS%20Buick%20455%20Stage%201%20Engine%20Bay.jpg" title="GS Buick 455 Stage 1 Engine Bay" width="400" /></a></div></b><span style="background-color: white;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="roboto, sans-serif" style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span><br /></span></span></span></div>It was widely known that the advertised 360 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque was underrated by a lot. Of course, Buick wanted to let people know, but then they would have to worry about being restricted and ultimately forced to eradicate the building of the powerful GSX Stage 1 455 in 1970.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvS5FKZUJHAvY6244B9_hctymtfOzu9xDGasAZvp9GzLtQ62q6a2pnHW0Ozz_TVLFZOhLXyPcvnnwPfvARvYZSA_mEba2qXjeQ1RaJcnDSMR6O9p5GuBvPwckLpKBSmPl7n6p46CrKwhiVgawxLiU4dL8kwcnAbCx6CV8kUwYGjSJdD4Rq7HlfvFezXUA/s600/Engine%20Stand%20with%20455.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="It was widely known that the advertised 360 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque was underrated by a lot. Of course, Buick wanted to let people know, but then they would have to worry about being restricted and ultimately forced to eradicate the building of the powerful Stage 1 455 in 1970." border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="600" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvS5FKZUJHAvY6244B9_hctymtfOzu9xDGasAZvp9GzLtQ62q6a2pnHW0Ozz_TVLFZOhLXyPcvnnwPfvARvYZSA_mEba2qXjeQ1RaJcnDSMR6O9p5GuBvPwckLpKBSmPl7n6p46CrKwhiVgawxLiU4dL8kwcnAbCx6CV8kUwYGjSJdD4Rq7HlfvFezXUA/w400-h356/Engine%20Stand%20with%20455.jpg" title="It was widely known that the advertised 360 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque was underrated by a lot. Of course, Buick wanted to let people know, but then they would have to worry about being restricted and ultimately forced to eradicate the building of the powerful Stage 1 455 in 1970." width="400" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Most people, including NHRA, claimed that the engine probably put out 400+ horsepower. Using the GSX's time in the quarter-mile and the weight of the car, experts who tested the Buick knew that there was more horsepower than what was being advertised.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b><span style="background-color: #2b00fe; color: white;">6.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"> Motor Trend Names the 1970 Buick GSX </span></b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">“The Quickest American Production Car” </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: 700;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9N7xpDU5lOVZ2VyRD5gOKvR2jTd7pVWJtUefHNTqsJXruM2Rn7DNU4lJGMbIkTC7foFQIWLCYBLTVx6tQH28PwVh6Zox8mIT7Z2uN7systuErX-xapTD7zKQHjS4fl6-2fwWz7BnDHCkt8aIm0olsAmhKPoOhid5w5msL4yd-Ml-T9HV6nsnmWz05I9U/s1200/GSX%20Moving.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Buick GSX Moving Fast" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9N7xpDU5lOVZ2VyRD5gOKvR2jTd7pVWJtUefHNTqsJXruM2Rn7DNU4lJGMbIkTC7foFQIWLCYBLTVx6tQH28PwVh6Zox8mIT7Z2uN7systuErX-xapTD7zKQHjS4fl6-2fwWz7BnDHCkt8aIm0olsAmhKPoOhid5w5msL4yd-Ml-T9HV6nsnmWz05I9U/w400-h266/GSX%20Moving.jpg" title="Buick GSX Moving Fast" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #181818; font-weight: 400;"><span><br />Although the 1970 Buick GSX was named the quickest, the 1971 and ‘72 GSXs fell victim to the emission laws and received lower compression V8 engines. In fact, you were even able to order up your GSX with a 350, 400, or a 430 cu.-in motor, unlike in 1970 when a 455 cu.-in. engine was your only option. You still got the sporty look, but the power the Buick had was starting to take a huge hit. The only good thing for Buick was that everyone else in the industry had to follow the same emission rules and regulations, making your typical car guy very sad.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #181818; font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ZVUbvlGB8BoPDQtJLBTKV62gRMDoQ0WGpB2MoFHdcTlf2LSHwHRpug4xdJhWcHnVt_M0pKxQDce1HO-_Iqu2IBjFgQO4ylsMYmZUyPiYDWwZwIWD07DLpfUyK0iiJUZAGcz0BZXEe8oRdVz5WrmUcuonPoXIAuW1OMa5eVw3nlgpjzbLf0cNc6upvDY/s1200/Rear%20of%20GSX.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1970 Buick GSX" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ZVUbvlGB8BoPDQtJLBTKV62gRMDoQ0WGpB2MoFHdcTlf2LSHwHRpug4xdJhWcHnVt_M0pKxQDce1HO-_Iqu2IBjFgQO4ylsMYmZUyPiYDWwZwIWD07DLpfUyK0iiJUZAGcz0BZXEe8oRdVz5WrmUcuonPoXIAuW1OMa5eVw3nlgpjzbLf0cNc6upvDY/w400-h266/Rear%20of%20GSX.jpg" title="1970 Buick GSX" width="400" /></a></div><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #181818;"><b><span style="background-color: #fcff01;"><br /></span></b></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><b><span style="background-color: #2b00fe; color: white;">5.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> The Ram Air Hodd and Housing Never Really Functioned</span></b></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #181818;"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></b></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #181818; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsArXdxV5F0kI2m2Xg8niWCWOP_EdCH80onKSHA5D3gqOAzDyv-R-qQspmZpGDdJXbV1Uq2oHgdxqFsNCIEpBWZ2Es6NXWkyc6SYEBbn2VtrORsdYlr2R0rKQRM-NvredLX1cMs2l2XDHcb974t7NxQys4Mf2Xi_E9WTsYk1Ubn1c5EDE4nT-b0MQPvU/s318/download.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="455 Stage 1 Buick Engine" border="0" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsArXdxV5F0kI2m2Xg8niWCWOP_EdCH80onKSHA5D3gqOAzDyv-R-qQspmZpGDdJXbV1Uq2oHgdxqFsNCIEpBWZ2Es6NXWkyc6SYEBbn2VtrORsdYlr2R0rKQRM-NvredLX1cMs2l2XDHcb974t7NxQys4Mf2Xi_E9WTsYk1Ubn1c5EDE4nT-b0MQPvU/w400-h200/download.jpg" title="455 Stage 1 Buick Engine" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white;">In theory, the ram air hood on the Buick GSXs should have helped whatever powerplant you had under the hood gain about 8% horsepower, at least that’s what Buick was claiming. Unfortunately, it didn’t. In fact, most experts who tested the ram air system claim to have noticed no difference. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Even worse, in race testing, experts noticed that the housing and the scoops themselves were too oddly shaped and even restricted flow.</span></span></div></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #181818;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">Taking the whole ram air system off and letting the carburetor breathe without the ram air housing actually promoted a little better performance. These air cleaner housings do look cool, but they don’t serve up any extra horsepower gains.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><b><span style="background-color: #2b00fe; color: white;">4.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> There was an Internal Band on Large Buick cu.-in. Engines</span></b></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #181818;"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></b></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #181818; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtG_1-iYJxTM26tBz7WCLn-MUz2iPF4YXNpNBiT0UXfEA_K486TM9mKYXDwdvgo0nI-luQOnN00lT2GatoDXci2mSz54J3DznS4KszKXoEIGmReMMWE79PG2mpTtO_mFcwG4V2v0Esp4Mq6q2T612REIVljRk8yzIaFa_TBNsCazD-72Q8mw6i1gyMs8/s717/Buick%20Dyno.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Buick Engine Dyno" border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="717" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtG_1-iYJxTM26tBz7WCLn-MUz2iPF4YXNpNBiT0UXfEA_K486TM9mKYXDwdvgo0nI-luQOnN00lT2GatoDXci2mSz54J3DznS4KszKXoEIGmReMMWE79PG2mpTtO_mFcwG4V2v0Esp4Mq6q2T612REIVljRk8yzIaFa_TBNsCazD-72Q8mw6i1gyMs8/w400-h286/Buick%20Dyno.png" title="Buick Engine Dyno" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #181818;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span>Lifting the large engine band was a no-brainer for Buick because they weren’t just competing against their A-body siblings, but they also had to throw down with Fords and Hemis. Buick knew if they were going to keep up with all the other muscle cars, a 400 cu.-in. engine just wasn’t going to cut it. They also knew they were going to have to make more changes than just engine displacement upgrades.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span><br /></span></span></div></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b style="background-color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: white;">3.</span></b><b style="background-color: white;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> </span><span>Heavy Duty Suspension, Disc Brakes, Wheels, and Tires</span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJExgI2VxrBJUz0wGE9c-pVqVtOwazIOkGbTeT4dzEzP6A-TubSwJlelcYAxvU_byHFiwpQ01dLOr4IZqgtVuKpYb_JXJc_k9Ie68-rPyRSO5EYAqLKQMBaZsWf7JzG5tZ8fNrLJYN2rFu2Y618wdMW_xmFlTMYxc-WoLRDhK5FcgGhAuh-5JiYeC_IJk/s790/1970-buick-gsx%20under.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1970 Buick GSX" border="0" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="790" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJExgI2VxrBJUz0wGE9c-pVqVtOwazIOkGbTeT4dzEzP6A-TubSwJlelcYAxvU_byHFiwpQ01dLOr4IZqgtVuKpYb_JXJc_k9Ie68-rPyRSO5EYAqLKQMBaZsWf7JzG5tZ8fNrLJYN2rFu2Y618wdMW_xmFlTMYxc-WoLRDhK5FcgGhAuh-5JiYeC_IJk/w400-h265/1970-buick-gsx%20under.jpg" title="1970 Buick GSX" width="400" /></a></div><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><span>To add to the performance of the GSX, Buick made sure that the suspension could handle the power. A front anti-roll bar was included, along with stronger shocks and rear lower control arms. All the suspension bushings were upgraded to stiffer high-performing bushing. Also included was a quick-ratio steering gearbox to give the driver a better road feel.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">For the brake system, there were a few different options. There were 11-inch ventilated rotors in the front with signal-piston calipers as long as you order the Stage 1 455 GSX. In the rear, there were upgraded drum brakes and power assist was optional. On different orders, you might have received drum brakes all the way around.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space-collapse: collapse;"><b><span style="background-color: #2b00fe; color: white;">2.</span><span style="color: #181818;"> Find That GSX Build Sheet </span></b></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space-collapse: collapse;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space-collapse: collapse;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pM_QTHx_MU0U2C2SU1MYI5s0KQ-w-Q6jCW-zViW_PJpYBcIQi_92F7CeXVmuk4n2znH9NC4vFol-tEKRFRmVAw_CJpa2IjBSyM1Ppo0np3TUTqHHuKb7tr-u5EUsGic9JQAvCF38v8_ONIYr6nNX4Sr0eohF7MEMOwo9R_2fAChqAdaNS64eS9Zkpcc/s627/GSX%20Build%20Sheet.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="GSX Build Sheet" border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="510" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pM_QTHx_MU0U2C2SU1MYI5s0KQ-w-Q6jCW-zViW_PJpYBcIQi_92F7CeXVmuk4n2znH9NC4vFol-tEKRFRmVAw_CJpa2IjBSyM1Ppo0np3TUTqHHuKb7tr-u5EUsGic9JQAvCF38v8_ONIYr6nNX4Sr0eohF7MEMOwo9R_2fAChqAdaNS64eS9Zkpcc/w325-h400/GSX%20Build%20Sheet.png" width="325" /></a></div><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Finding the build sheet for a GSX is a big deal. What the build sheet says will give you an idea of how much you should be paying for a particular vehicle. </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/7823495275320811710/3094180710170198157#" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Even if a true GSX is a little beat up</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, paying big bucks for one isn't uncommon and could still be very well worth the money. But if you pay big bucks for a GSX, and it’s really just a Skylark in disguise, you can lose big money.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space-collapse: collapse;"><br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrc4F6BU58ew6IFgVCkeNY_PhaaVxYpjd4Ve22iMhVq6JhyphenhyphenrOaVSUGW1FHgxImIyWyeFMqjTwB8ZWtgW1wvfR1uojoyfTBlXbyQF92S6modiAZR9TtSupns1eGCUlECmQpzVIxlUh905vzMpCv1i_1PDXVd_zMVTe4Ta_Jdg3IpNCQQbqYzsU7-E0ddJM/s624/Screenshot%202023-10-06%20162336.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Buick GSX Build Sheet" border="0" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="514" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrc4F6BU58ew6IFgVCkeNY_PhaaVxYpjd4Ve22iMhVq6JhyphenhyphenrOaVSUGW1FHgxImIyWyeFMqjTwB8ZWtgW1wvfR1uojoyfTBlXbyQF92S6modiAZR9TtSupns1eGCUlECmQpzVIxlUh905vzMpCv1i_1PDXVd_zMVTe4Ta_Jdg3IpNCQQbqYzsU7-E0ddJM/w330-h400/Screenshot%202023-10-06%20162336.png" title="Buick GSX Build Sheet" width="330" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">There is no particular place to look for a build sheet. Buyers have mentioned finding them in all kinds of different places. If the owner hasn’t found one yet, you can try looking under the carpet, in the rear seat cushion springs, under the dash, but on top of the gas tank in between the sound deadener is the most common place to find a lost build sheet.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b><span style="background-color: #2b00fe; color: white;">1.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"> The Little Extras That Make The GSX Different From GS</span></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIeYe6kywaxuBDjZBuSiwQZlVJkfVD1tlRH3GuqfmnpmaovatVahDofXIFDgcnMDmAYQ5gnynvl-vDGTFuIgg6JrVy9oNwrY4qFkjXYPBm4riYzEvwh6aHiZ7S6ltqlU81G0kov_z2pSUNgr9qU2ziJ_KbFua_uw4ReWXTjlquMX_IAxFM3EBu-g6JiA/s275/GSX%20in%20Shawdow.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1970 Buick GSX" border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIeYe6kywaxuBDjZBuSiwQZlVJkfVD1tlRH3GuqfmnpmaovatVahDofXIFDgcnMDmAYQ5gnynvl-vDGTFuIgg6JrVy9oNwrY4qFkjXYPBm4riYzEvwh6aHiZ7S6ltqlU81G0kov_z2pSUNgr9qU2ziJ_KbFua_uw4ReWXTjlquMX_IAxFM3EBu-g6JiA/w400-h266/GSX%20in%20Shawdow.jpg" title="1970 GSX Buick" width="400" /></a></div><br /></b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">There were some other features that you would get with the GSX that you wouldn’t get with lower-trim level Buicks. Color-matching mirrors and headlight bezels added to the colorful look of the GSX. The rear spoiler was an option on some GS Buick 455s but with the GSX package, it was standard.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5bUNsx7Umvvk8tCK4C4IxNhWVZ1amTOkmdMHXrvDQmvguXNuRpDAE3Z5p9X_kb2MCuV7p175yD5PFfzpqh1MGgODEL4lJaTqibXXOxfgKjNJNvJHRWdCAR4daqsfC4OhiSc1EiIQxBjkqR23lg3INDa9kG1vnwkuWqin2Q7DhWZW8j9PR4oTLVqCKeIQ/s751/Screenshot%202023-10-06%20163325.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Buick GSX Spoiler" border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="751" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5bUNsx7Umvvk8tCK4C4IxNhWVZ1amTOkmdMHXrvDQmvguXNuRpDAE3Z5p9X_kb2MCuV7p175yD5PFfzpqh1MGgODEL4lJaTqibXXOxfgKjNJNvJHRWdCAR4daqsfC4OhiSc1EiIQxBjkqR23lg3INDa9kG1vnwkuWqin2Q7DhWZW8j9PR4oTLVqCKeIQ/w400-h266/Screenshot%202023-10-06%20163325.png" title="Buick GSX Spoiler" width="400" /></a></div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><br /><span>Other features were a standard heavy-duty cooling system, the option of a close-ratio four-speed or three-speed manual, or a TH400 automatic transmission. For the rear gear ratio, if you order a Stage 1 package, you would get bumped up to a positraction 3.64:1 axle that would help you burn the tires and create smoky hole shots whenever you wanted to.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydrgGxLH1Mt1FgTwe8nihPthM-gcyIF1YXuf8HROHzLQsalUZgDvG-yiYETajbk_afA6sC0a9pK0MoxiOwika8Ymgh5sxZ0FNB2fO4KA-zRnoCb31peFSoLHRU5ObdSU0UPwC-bQPSRYr8STd5u9JABJ8MQz-fZKC8Tlbff5o-7-zMQgRvBjKYiFQk3A/s739/Screenshot%202023-10-06%20163712.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="GSX Grille" border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="739" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydrgGxLH1Mt1FgTwe8nihPthM-gcyIF1YXuf8HROHzLQsalUZgDvG-yiYETajbk_afA6sC0a9pK0MoxiOwika8Ymgh5sxZ0FNB2fO4KA-zRnoCb31peFSoLHRU5ObdSU0UPwC-bQPSRYr8STd5u9JABJ8MQz-fZKC8Tlbff5o-7-zMQgRvBjKYiFQk3A/w400-h266/Screenshot%202023-10-06%20163712.png" title="GSX Front Grille" width="400" /></a></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>Brian Hensley http://www.blogger.com/profile/13992389807220431984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823495275320811710.post-804697551826675262023-09-22T22:04:00.002-07:002023-11-04T17:17:38.612-07:00 2009 Corvette ZR1: The Era’s Most Pinnacle American Sports Car<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMswtSggUw8n6_SNRQtjtSO9YTwzsfWkyNpczFhe1eQaoN1AVbwzs8g1d4yD7dEyTUXZYXMGTLwmkkHrAMyO4xVu0aa8HnkMwSW3uo1dFcyMpaNLEh-xwQUlomWA2G2_wKuE3KjhRRRoQ/s800/zr1-1st-drive-1280-46_opt.jpg" style="font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="2009 Corvette ZR-1" border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMswtSggUw8n6_SNRQtjtSO9YTwzsfWkyNpczFhe1eQaoN1AVbwzs8g1d4yD7dEyTUXZYXMGTLwmkkHrAMyO4xVu0aa8HnkMwSW3uo1dFcyMpaNLEh-xwQUlomWA2G2_wKuE3KjhRRRoQ/w400-h225/zr1-1st-drive-1280-46_opt.jpg" title="2009 Corvette ZR-1 Grey" width="400" /></a></p><div><span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Corvette ZR1 Comeback</span></b></span></div></span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Corvette has always made a big splash with their Z-Series sports cars. Badass Vettes such as the ZO6, ZR1, and ZL1 would receive more power and torque, handling capabilities, and all-around upgrades for better track performance than any other vehicle General Motors was pushing on the market at the time (expectation 14 and 15 Camaro Z28). </span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Chatter started around 2007 about a new version of the ZR1, a ZR1 that would be so performance-packed it would give it a supercar status that would have its name mentioned in the likes of Ferrari, Porsche, and Lamborghini. </span></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ymR4wtYmzmU" width="320" youtube-src-id="ymR4wtYmzmU"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>This first 2009 ZR1 was auctioned off for a Million bucks to Dave Ressler. He is also the owner of the oldest known Corvette in existence, #003. </span></strong></div></div></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-923c8e2a-7fff-9a90-2dd2-c4c5e3d9ad32"></span><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><h3><span style="border: none; clear: right; display: inline-block; float: right; height: 169px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; overflow: hidden; width: 225px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img alt="6.2-liter LS9" height="150" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/QwyB2JVIBZh1VN2_wRVGIruboeKZI1KE_2l76DrgnTbxzQq-K7wL3WXZalBM5V0Knw20w_dgNsxQmXsm2xt40aELQfOlIG1kZAoNaZWWS-Bhkc4239wFBwwer3XnueYfTmEjeVhTysErKYWgsg=w200-h150" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" title="LS9 Aluminum V8 Supercharged" width="200" /></span></span></h3><h3><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></h3><h3><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">2009 ZR1 Motor and Transmission</span></span></h3></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">A </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/7823495275320811710/6855584748433652089?hl=en#" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">6.2-liter LS9</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> aluminum V8 with a Twin Vortices Series supercharger and a top-loaded intercooler powers the ZR1. Hand-built in Wixom, Mi., this powerhouse motor puts out 638 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 604-lb.ft. of torque at 3800 RPMs.</span></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i>Sure, nowadays there are some stout performers that make more horsepower and torque, but not 13 years ago. </i></span></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Controlling all this power is easy with a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox and a high-capacity, high-performance clutch that makes anyone sitting in the driver's seat feel like they are driving a professionally-built race car. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><h3><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Performance Stats</span></span></h3></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">This General Motors engine and transmission combination is responsible for the staggering numbers that it puts down while going in a straight line.
This ZR1 gets from 0-60 in 3.4 seconds while reaching 100 mph in a matter of 7 seconds. The Corvette has no problem covering the quarter-mile in 11.3 seconds at 131 mph. With a top speed of 200 mph, without a doubt, this was the most capable, powerful Corvette put into production.</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span id="docs-internal-guid-923c8e2a-7fff-9a90-2dd2-c4c5e3d9ad32"><br /></span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><h3><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Frame and Suspension</span></span></h3></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-923c8e2a-7fff-9a90-2dd2-c4c5e3d9ad32"><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The ZR1 comes standard with an aluminum frame structure that weighs in at a mere 138 pounds. The frame was the exact frame used on the </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/7823495275320811710/6855584748433652089?hl=en#" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">C6.R race car</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 5.2 pounds per horsepower. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The aluminum frame rides on a Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension. The Magnetic Ride Control was the most sophisticated suspension of its kind. This ride-control system gives the driver two different driving modes to select—Sport ride-control, ideal for the racetrack, and Touring mode, which is ideal for everyday driving. These modes can be easily switched back and forth in the cockpit by the driver with a push of a button. This may not seem like much of a wow factor today, but back in 2009, this convenience was just starting to become a top technology on American vehicles. </span></p></span><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">
</span></span><h4><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Tires</span></span></h4></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">With all that power and such a capable suspension, you have to have some way of keeping the tires and wheels sticking to the ground, and in this department, GM spares no expense. When testing the Corvette at the Virginia International Raceway, the stock Michelin tires were eventually replaced with a set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires. With this change, the ZR1 was able to shred a considerable amount of time off of each lap. And that’s when the decision was made, the Michelins that performed the best would come on the best Corvette ever produced. </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-923c8e2a-7fff-9a90-2dd2-c4c5e3d9ad32"><span><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 224px; overflow: hidden; width: 358px;"><img alt="Corvette ZR-1 Wheels" height="200" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/V0QBJTIsxr2ovR_tOyQcvnGg_N8gsXI_5jApWlY9A7K0YCJzy6aqrG-v67V5ARXRfj4ozGCK3GuHkkkqwCBjY2yrUskqSzUXFkoO_dsD0d-0QNBsRCopADAqMuAh4dPji-nlN1yHy5cdrfzvNw=w320-h200" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" title="ZR-1 Wheels" width="320" /></span></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-923c8e2a-7fff-9a90-2dd2-c4c5e3d9ad32"><br /></span></span><h4><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">
<span style="color: #2b00fe;">Braking</span></span></span></h4><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">You can't have a vehicle with all that power and ability without having an effective way of stopping it. So massive Brembo Carbon Ceramic 15-inch front and 15.5-inch rear vented cross-drilled rotors were added. These rotors can withstand heat of 1000 degrees Celsius before warping. The brake system includes six-piston calipers in the front and four-piston calipers in the rear. When this system all works together, it creates the stopping power you would need for a 200 mph supercar.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-923c8e2a-7fff-9a90-2dd2-c4c5e3d9ad32"><span><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img alt="Corvettes First Super Car" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/x_geM79py4hSHD7KdAypz6vgE18mImkHNkl08IVdz57WDR26DRBFeJ0WkbPRJNehrEGYrXI9dZptY742fmdSvd724-LL0Zye61-4eXI720LTOefCuuSCumIrO8dS_lW2m0KAFiQglh4DV1LX4w=s16000" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" title="ZR-1 Supercar" /></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><h3><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></h3><h3><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Looks Of A Supercar</span></span></h3></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">With a wider stance than the average Vette, the ZR1 is designed to take corners better and get around the track faster. Sporting 19x10-inch wheels in the front and 20x12-inch wheels in the back, the look of the ZR1 says nothing but supercar.
All buyers would have had the option to choose the color of the wheels, which include a bright silver coated finish, a deep black coated finish, or a chrome finish. All three colors look great, depending on the look you are trying to achieve.
There are nine color options for the exterior finish, all of which are in an exotic tint, helping give the ZR1 the supercar look that Corvette is ultimately after. The spoiler on the back is both functional and proportional-looking, and the see-through carbon fiber hood really makes a supercar statement.
</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><h3><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Interior Options For The ZR1</span></span></h3><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; font-family: arial; height: 259px; overflow: hidden; width: 389px;"><img alt="Corvette ZR-1 Cockpit" height="213" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/lYCi6OPAbkMgalC7Ulry1nTTW0QWLsfTYb9Z8pDMBhukcMe93GczmErofMf0XQG6zqnoHJfbwNvJ9kug8HTyGfdkYiUCmpC072uayVGu7oWTARTHv6M3Ll-qgzI73x1xxkynnX0Q4qY5isBefg=w320-h213" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" title="ZR-1 Interior" width="320" /></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">When it comes to the interior, the ZR1 came with an abundance of options and colors. The buyer was able to request almost everything from the steering wheel to the door panels be wrapped in rich leather. They would also have the option of different model-specific badges to be placed on the inside of the vehicle. </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Power-adjustable heated leather seats with microfiber inserts could be purchased for a better day-to-day driving experience. Corvette also offered a package called the 3ZR. This package included a nine-speaker Bose system, Bluetooth wireless technology, a head-up display, and a SiriusXM satellite radio, making sure that ultimate convenience and comfort could be achieved. </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmI20SpE6bLdX1-vl80p8fXqoslMcxGk_EjDvYBKbi2VaydRxMjKZAwkqW2fmtb02fDyewCFjCedwdBpEwzmsRw2uVB63M3OUBwpPRZFqQtVzmEXn_ihYMWwTSHbA1qJhTghOfZBjfesOhPjrUBrTDcZu5krRNM8WgYfbclI2PlXarAVBPjM1hCTHD5k/s1280/ZR1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Blue ZR1 20009" border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="1280" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmI20SpE6bLdX1-vl80p8fXqoslMcxGk_EjDvYBKbi2VaydRxMjKZAwkqW2fmtb02fDyewCFjCedwdBpEwzmsRw2uVB63M3OUBwpPRZFqQtVzmEXn_ihYMWwTSHbA1qJhTghOfZBjfesOhPjrUBrTDcZu5krRNM8WgYfbclI2PlXarAVBPjM1hCTHD5k/w400-h263/ZR1.jpg" title="2009 Blue ZR1 Corvette" width="400" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><h3><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Price Tag And Gas Mileage</span></span><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">With supercar looks, power, and track times to match, this ZR1 puts otherworldly supercars to shame when you compare price tags to performance. When brand new, the MSRP price tag was $112,000.00, which was much cheaper than a higher-powered Farria, Lambo, or Porsche at the time. The ZR1 also rated very high in</span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/7823495275320811710/6855584748433652089?hl=en#" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> gas mileage</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> for a 2009 sports car. With an EPA-estimated 14 city/20 highway mpg, the Corvette did better than most vehicles with that size engine. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The best thing about the ZR1 is for the first time ever, Americans who were in the market for a supercar could finally buy an American-built supercar, minus the outrageous cost of maintenance, luxury tax, and everything else that comes along with owning an overseas supercar. </span></span></p></h3></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">.</span></span></div>Brian Hensley http://www.blogger.com/profile/13992389807220431984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823495275320811710.post-16824706185121123672023-04-18T14:17:00.000-07:002023-04-18T14:17:30.236-07:00Chevrolet Chevelle: The Muscle Car Legend <p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92jCCGpjDGirh_ICuYSih8MJnu3eqxMCH6474YpIsIr5OA7fT4RwRcBGHCdtaNdl4DqMqHCildkmvHHbM4pWaORp8Orn_Y8iont4ZYHRqtghKPHJSTtBtB-2Ne_YKGDUd2K0cn887GUA/s2000/1970-Chevelle-SS-I-Force-19x8-20x10-rims_1_2174.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="1970 Chevelle" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="2000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92jCCGpjDGirh_ICuYSih8MJnu3eqxMCH6474YpIsIr5OA7fT4RwRcBGHCdtaNdl4DqMqHCildkmvHHbM4pWaORp8Orn_Y8iont4ZYHRqtghKPHJSTtBtB-2Ne_YKGDUd2K0cn887GUA/w400-h200/1970-Chevelle-SS-I-Force-19x8-20x10-rims_1_2174.jpg" title="1970 Chevy Chevelle" width="400" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><h1><span style="font-size: large;">Chevrolet Chevelle the Legend</span></h1>The Chevelle was one of the few muscle cars that Chevrolet put into production between 1964 and 1973. Outside of the '73 Chevelle, the muscle car enjoyed some great success through its strong run and continues to be celebrated by all kinds of car enthusiasts. From drag strips to car shows and car auctions, you'd be hard-pressed to go to any car event and not see a few awesome-looking examples. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Most Chevelles hold their value very well because they look <a href="https://rods-classics.com/content/1968-chevrolet-chevelle-ss-496-custom" target="_blank">great stock and when customized</a>, and they are a very important part of the Muscle Car era. Read on to learn a little more about the Chevelle and how it etched its name in muscle car history. </span></p><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHJteMvg7mPufJ7Z4O3DeQKJZCn0OD-v1NS3YIFLAvd8nV1DoVdnAcgaWuVq1dtMIjv4r5UDEiZBgg-NoHhZFzXS48YnPP5RL-rwZrxbC-hBpRpgHHMMUFTc7p59uDxpARQxKhnPlg6k/s1000/64+Chevelle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="'64 Chevrolet Chevelle" border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="1000" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHJteMvg7mPufJ7Z4O3DeQKJZCn0OD-v1NS3YIFLAvd8nV1DoVdnAcgaWuVq1dtMIjv4r5UDEiZBgg-NoHhZFzXS48YnPP5RL-rwZrxbC-hBpRpgHHMMUFTc7p59uDxpARQxKhnPlg6k/w400-h285/64+Chevelle.jpg" title="'64 Chevelle" width="400" /></a></div><br /></span><h3><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">1964 - 1967 Chevelle</span></h3></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span>In 1963, when the Chevelle made its way into production for the</span><span> <a href="https://rods-classics.com/content/1968-chevrolet-chevelle-ss-496-custom" target="_blank">first time as a '64</a>, there were a of couple different motors to choose from. The largest and the most powerful of them all was a 300 horsepower 327 cubic inch small block. This really didn't hit the nail on the head for consumers, as it was a little underpowered for the power-to-weight ratio. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZLyZWd6dXDr9zpE5DpDBC1MY3zL8snAro9A-Ben7B51goQEH43gI-oIRCBP-DxYyKxO9FN-N90k3BJDMELX10VVNfC2nWOY0i1sk_LeU1_NY7pLaVoR3d-JqyhdEmndL43PGXUzQg7Q/s800/1967-chevrolet-cheve-4_800x0w.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="'67 Chevelle SS" border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZLyZWd6dXDr9zpE5DpDBC1MY3zL8snAro9A-Ben7B51goQEH43gI-oIRCBP-DxYyKxO9FN-N90k3BJDMELX10VVNfC2nWOY0i1sk_LeU1_NY7pLaVoR3d-JqyhdEmndL43PGXUzQg7Q/w400-h225/1967-chevrolet-cheve-4_800x0w.jpg" title="1967 Chevelle" width="400" /></a></div></span><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.brphotrods.com/products/64-67%20A%20body%20products/index.html" target="_blank">In 1965, Chevelle</a> upped the ante with a 396 cubic-inch motor that produced the type of power that the public was waiting for. The new Z16, 396 V8 produced 375 horsepower. The engine pushed the Chevelle from 0-60 mph in 6.0 seconds and drop a quarter-mile time of 14.66 @ 99.8mph. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>Minor Change In Style</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The 1966 Chevelle would see some body modification, and although the power rating stayed the same, times at the track would be cut from a 14.66 down to a 14.40 quarter-mile time. This was due to a solid lifter cam and bigger valves given to the 396 cubic inch motor. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">More Changes For '67</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span>In 19</span>67, Chevrolet would stick with the same body style for the muscle car but would make some performance changes. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Front-wheel disc brakes were factory installed to help stop the wider tires and new 14-inch rims. A new reworked bumper and blacked-out rear panel were also part of the new features the '67 had to offer. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Unfortunately, because of GM curb weight standards, it would experience less power and slower times at the track. The biggest engine offered was the L34 396, which only produces 350 horsepower and did 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds with a quarter-mile time of 15.3 @ 94mph.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><h3><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">1968-1969 Chevelle</span></h3></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7s3cuRJXCOsvaxE4JzjlmFlluTZWYnp9XblHyuWfNJcwmug6gkbILqp4KLgBFJ2uC0WEB_f96eAqbwbrZqXAEc1bXSrqjwoZBPFzS8LJpXywTRS68vsZpXvwhsQUVG37G07Dt0fWC42g/s2048/1968+Chevelle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1968 Chevelle" border="0" data-original-height="1307" data-original-width="2048" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7s3cuRJXCOsvaxE4JzjlmFlluTZWYnp9XblHyuWfNJcwmug6gkbILqp4KLgBFJ2uC0WEB_f96eAqbwbrZqXAEc1bXSrqjwoZBPFzS8LJpXywTRS68vsZpXvwhsQUVG37G07Dt0fWC42g/w400-h255/1968+Chevelle.jpg" title="1968 Chevrolet Chevelle" width="400" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">For 1968, Chevrolet would try something new with the Chevelle. A new body style would make its way off the production lines. This new look brought about a shorter wheelbase, a longer front end, and a shorten rear-deck lid, giving it a fastback look. Although the 1968 Chevelle got a new look, it received the same power sources as the previous year. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The Chevelle's suspension would still be a sore spot with lots of body roll—and slow shifting from the Muncie four-speed left a lot of complaints from consumers. But the one thing that did change was the consumer's choice of rear gears. The axle ratios ranged from 2.73:1 to a dealer-installed 4.88:1 drag Cogs gear ratio.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Upping The '69's Power Output</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">With consumers still having complaints about power, Chevrolet would up the ante again for the '69 Chevelle. Although the badges and the build sheets would say the Chevelle was built with a <a href="https://www.hagerty.com/media/car-profiles/1969-chevelle-ss-396-not-your-run-of-the-mill-chevelle/" target="_blank">396 cubic-inch motor that produced 375 horsepower</a>, it was well known that the motors were bored out to 402 cubic inches. The deceit was mainly to meet emissions standards and to gain a horsepower edge. This plan really paved the way for what was to come in 1970.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><h3 style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">1970 Chevelle </span></h3></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAy6jbkOZM0S2WLIK3NXq-fLeVdMxqFBrIxVGU20saJda8kL7V_4dl0Tv1RzOdY_pN79QLuiCzSRjzNnbZ-3-ogHZYyGAmOFB4B6hzviDtbbekNHt3qyl9zWizWometC5QqLItHc09fU/s864/454+engine.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="454 LS6" border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="864" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAy6jbkOZM0S2WLIK3NXq-fLeVdMxqFBrIxVGU20saJda8kL7V_4dl0Tv1RzOdY_pN79QLuiCzSRjzNnbZ-3-ogHZYyGAmOFB4B6hzviDtbbekNHt3qyl9zWizWometC5QqLItHc09fU/w400-h266/454+engine.jpg" title="454 cubic-inch LS6" width="400" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span>In 1970, Chevelle would see the most sufficient </span><span>changes toward being a major contender in the muscle car world. Cosmetic changes included the first functioning cowl induction hood with racing hood pins. A newly styled front-end would be implicated, along with some new style rally five-spoke wheels. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">But the biggest change came in the size of the motor. General Motors lifted the band against producing any motors over 400 cubic inches, giving Chevrolet the green light to build and produce a Chevelle with what would become one of the most popular motors ever made, the LS6 454. Along with the functioning cowl induction hood and the huge displacement, also brought about better-performing engine components that helped produce 450 horsepower and left plenty of room for upgrades.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><h3 style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">1971-1972 Chevelle </span></h3></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><br /></span><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdzvEe2_ZpaocIZXfH3kvT8-LGRTrAW_OR_T9RveusiJB-Z5-Hhm8ktN0GS2ObvgaATZzoUhO5skLX3UbKr3MsTOicd0ttQlb_y9zx3zBqgMAyMEiqqvp8MQonu_IsGUe5fUmzQOcWgc/s512/70-71+Chevelle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="71-72 Chevelle" border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="512" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdzvEe2_ZpaocIZXfH3kvT8-LGRTrAW_OR_T9RveusiJB-Z5-Hhm8ktN0GS2ObvgaATZzoUhO5skLX3UbKr3MsTOicd0ttQlb_y9zx3zBqgMAyMEiqqvp8MQonu_IsGUe5fUmzQOcWgc/w400-h268/70-71+Chevelle.jpg" title="'71-'72 Chevy Chevelle" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span><br /></span></span></div><h3><br /></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/1971-72-chevrolet-chevelle" target="_blank">Unfortunately, for 1971-72</a>, the Chevelle would see some extremely harsh decreases in power. In response to GM's new rules that all engines must run on unleaded fuel and meet every EPA restrictive emission standard, the muscle car era was starting to become a thing of the past. There was one good thing about the years of '71-'72—although the big 454 motor's power was lowered due to EPA emissions standards, you could still order them, and if you knew what you were doing, upgrading them to make the power a 1970 455 did was not a huge task.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The 1973 Chevelle No Longer Looked Like A Chevelle </span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvK1UyNxrXIjXmuXsenx_sf9eJgu3vGNFYn1Y1dXXzYFGPLcJQDPW0tegkVaoiQafftV-685I4xpBt8oIl29qu504XBtlNvZnGUJfSbduqvzDeijKXVqgAzzyMY5O_czaQFklvYU_-kA/s800/1973_chevelle_malibu.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1973 Chevelle" border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="800" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvK1UyNxrXIjXmuXsenx_sf9eJgu3vGNFYn1Y1dXXzYFGPLcJQDPW0tegkVaoiQafftV-685I4xpBt8oIl29qu504XBtlNvZnGUJfSbduqvzDeijKXVqgAzzyMY5O_czaQFklvYU_-kA/w400-h288/1973_chevelle_malibu.jpg" title="1973 Chevy Chevelle" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span>For the last year of the Chevelle's existence, it got a completely </span><span>new body style and the motors had even less power. These cars would be the least liked among the 9-year production run, and even to this day are not a big hit at drag strips, car shows, or auctions.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><h3 style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">1969 </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">COPO Chevelle</span> </h3></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjbLKfYxbgFKl2rBlqlk6B5GyMIAexJbh2PJexzanRL2uQJV7HJqlpIGnu1gaX7Zb6KKqgGcz02oz3HeGKxx_hNNkpY3EAyOA6py0_BQKb85ZyRTV3cLRHjDNfHwN3YwgsWopKXNUOao/s851/copo-chevelle-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1969 COPO Chevelle" border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="851" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjbLKfYxbgFKl2rBlqlk6B5GyMIAexJbh2PJexzanRL2uQJV7HJqlpIGnu1gaX7Zb6KKqgGcz02oz3HeGKxx_hNNkpY3EAyOA6py0_BQKb85ZyRTV3cLRHjDNfHwN3YwgsWopKXNUOao/w400-h223/copo-chevelle-4.jpg" title="1969 Chevelle COPO" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><h3 style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></h3><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">In 1969, Chevrolet offered one of the rarest Chevelles to date, the <a href="https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/1969-copo-chevelle" target="_blank">'69 COPO</a>. The COPO was designed specifically for the drag strip. It came with a 427 cubic-inch powerplant that produced an underrated 425 horsepower and was capable of producing quarter-mile times of 13.3 @ 108mph. The COPO Chevelle was undoubtedly the fastest production Chevelle that Chevrolet ever produced. Like the other Chevrolet COPO Muscle Cars, this Chevelle has a cult following and draws big crowds and big numbers at auctions. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKo8JmfT_-dDJJrz5gkfmVIL9X_mNiashU2gseAAs2AekcvlOMHk4I3SSLjA2DTOUcf1TW11GAhtBP2BZ3mwMUHkWxrr4931be2yWj7uDYPXgCoQw-hIQNj9F7dOSnlGPW8TxUlKy61N4/s800/hood.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chevelle hood pins" border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="800" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKo8JmfT_-dDJJrz5gkfmVIL9X_mNiashU2gseAAs2AekcvlOMHk4I3SSLjA2DTOUcf1TW11GAhtBP2BZ3mwMUHkWxrr4931be2yWj7uDYPXgCoQw-hIQNj9F7dOSnlGPW8TxUlKy61N4/w400-h210/hood.jpg" title="1970 Chevelle hood" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h4 style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The Reasons for Chevelle's Popularity </span></h4><h3 style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i>What makes the Chevelle so popular among consumers and muscle car fans?</i> </span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The price, the size, the style, and the power. As a mid-size car, you could put your whole family in one and head to the grocery store, go shopping, come home, drop the family and the grocery off, and then head to the drag strip for some race time. </span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; margin-bottom: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxw0G4fobvNzYvIUddlRqiix5a0QtMVTLQWrmHG0dDyP_mU_j0ugQIQvuSNzoaHlDBztyrxBTF-__1kX_BD2M20KXygNrBAdeXPfoM8jZvgbdfRN7Zhuf6u6aRW1XPiaAw2AqWssZDcc/s700/gilmore-car-museum-kalamazoo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gilmore Muscle Car Musume" border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxw0G4fobvNzYvIUddlRqiix5a0QtMVTLQWrmHG0dDyP_mU_j0ugQIQvuSNzoaHlDBztyrxBTF-__1kX_BD2M20KXygNrBAdeXPfoM8jZvgbdfRN7Zhuf6u6aRW1XPiaAw2AqWssZDcc/w400-h300/gilmore-car-museum-kalamazoo.jpg" title="Muscle Car Musume" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></h3><h3 style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Saying Good-Bye to the Chevelle and Many Other Muscle Cars</span></h3><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Although the Chevelle was canceled after 1973, it was not the only muscle car that got the ax. <a href="https://autowise.com/70s-muscle-cars/" target="_blank">The GTO, Oldsmobile 422, the Plymouth Roadrunner, and many other muscle cars</a> would see the same fate right around the same era due to the pursuit to find more fuel-efficient and economy-friendly cars. But the Chevelle and all of its Muscle Car brothers and sisters, still to this day are extremely popular among car enthusiasts.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Brian Hensley http://www.blogger.com/profile/13992389807220431984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823495275320811710.post-3052339353074468272023-04-17T07:31:00.000-07:002023-04-17T07:31:56.266-07:00GMC Syclone and Typhoon: First Factory-Built All-Wheel-Drive Drag Racing Performance Success <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoETSiSLToLtHR7m_PmThfvp_A-27Gl059pfm9WqcyEqap9b2FCD6-sw4kiqcDj4QC60LH0BH4RnJD8K6o9PRf2-meuYRNsvuUEvJ3OtUGQs1hU-5VcpfpCQxrb_WPABrZ3NarRJVVH5g/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="GMC Syclone and Typhoon" data-original-height="139" data-original-width="400" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoETSiSLToLtHR7m_PmThfvp_A-27Gl059pfm9WqcyEqap9b2FCD6-sw4kiqcDj4QC60LH0BH4RnJD8K6o9PRf2-meuYRNsvuUEvJ3OtUGQs1hU-5VcpfpCQxrb_WPABrZ3NarRJVVH5g/w400-h139/image.png" title="Tubrocharged All-Wheel Drive GMCE" width="400" /></a></div><h1><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></h1><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Back in 1991, the dog days of the sad, slow, so-called economy-efficient sports cars were starting to come to an end. The Tuned-Port Injection (TPI) setups that General Motors was using for their sports were about to be replaced by a much more stout performing LT1 350-cu.-in. engine.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkq3tIO9pJs8wWRRrzGeQhuNYMGEPGlw5aYHWlm7ac7lsMdRgiz8RbD_qnrPNJvKuP9f7Lfs9m3qdAWrZWTmaFQOVcImtRx_8oMO6GrT1P6UN3MD4uui41QbghtbJXsTGyAqhmQBMN9eA/s259/syclone.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="'91 GMC Syclone" border="0" data-original-height="195" data-original-width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkq3tIO9pJs8wWRRrzGeQhuNYMGEPGlw5aYHWlm7ac7lsMdRgiz8RbD_qnrPNJvKuP9f7Lfs9m3qdAWrZWTmaFQOVcImtRx_8oMO6GrT1P6UN3MD4uui41QbghtbJXsTGyAqhmQBMN9eA/s16000/syclone.jpg" title="Turbocharged 4.3-liter GMC Syclone" /></a></div><br />But before the change, the GMC truck division of <a href="http://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2019/07/buick-grand-national-first-muscle-car.html" target="_blank">General Motors</a> made an interesting move to get involved in some of the performance hype GM was encouraging at the time. GMC signed a contract with an aftermarket performance company called </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">PAS (</span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">Production Automotive Systems).</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">PAS and GMC joined forces to create the fastest production trucks of its time: the 91 GMC Syclone pickup truck and the 92-93 GMC Typhoon SUV.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The PAS company was no stranger to this type of work. Pontiac called upon them to help build the now-famous <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPB0IpzP_NvUNsyHl_-csMWgAG3uwLJiZtreH_Qy1gD67JoI5ilqdp57bdPTKyomc_KYMSVsyBGjRcX9GedhncTOhvG3L2Yfm5kXGKUXCk6RfiS3PrlM0sI0SaJlm0t1mth3aSwp6uRAE/s640/959076895827174803.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="20th Anniversary 1989 Pontiac Trans AM" border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="640" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPB0IpzP_NvUNsyHl_-csMWgAG3uwLJiZtreH_Qy1gD67JoI5ilqdp57bdPTKyomc_KYMSVsyBGjRcX9GedhncTOhvG3L2Yfm5kXGKUXCk6RfiS3PrlM0sI0SaJlm0t1mth3aSwp6uRAE/w320-h234/959076895827174803.jpg" title="1989 Pontiac Trans AM 20th Anniversary" width="320" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2019/11/1989-trans-am-20th-anniversary-stock-v.html" target="_blank">1989 Turbo Trans Am 20th Anniversary Edition</a>. Oddly enough, Pontiac kept it simple when building this sports car and went with what already worked for Buick by using the very successful 86 and 87 Grand National drivetrain setup. The turbocharged intercooled 3.8-liter V6 was already tormenting sports cars on the streets and at the track.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><h3><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A Turbocharged Truck Was Buick's Idea</span></span></h3><div><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>Originally, <a href="http://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2021/10/when-turbochargers-entered-drag-racing.html" target="_blank">Buick</a> came up with the idea for the turbocharged truck, but to avoid conflict with the GMC truck production branch, Buick handed the idea over to GMC. There was some hesitation to take on the project since Chevrolet already had a similar black regular cab pick-up truck on the market with a 454 cu.-in. engine. </div><div><br /></div><div>But some forward-thinking engineers and designers saw the potential in smaller engines. Assuming Buick could make it work in a G-Body grocery-getter with much success, doing the same in a small truck and an SUV should work just as well, and to nobody's surprise, it did.
</div></span></span></div><h2><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Similar Buick Setup But A Bigger Engine For The Syclone and Typhoon</span></span></h2><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The PAS company engineered a 4.3-liter Vortec engine equipped with a turbocharger and an intercooler to fit in both the Syclone and the Typhoon. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">To efficiently transfer engine <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlOKbhtKIH9O11GrxM8t4mAZnoJiFv-NWjevIOkJ8y4KrRQm6UvWO6MBA-1XaXULA07lJqt4n_3CvzpujMGKVh83fhCN0NIydFC3GPp6rTy3_HHp5WaBG-kOMjpoVCJ0n08P4YtQIbe6c/s1280/Typoon.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="'91 GMC Typhoon" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlOKbhtKIH9O11GrxM8t4mAZnoJiFv-NWjevIOkJ8y4KrRQm6UvWO6MBA-1XaXULA07lJqt4n_3CvzpujMGKVh83fhCN0NIydFC3GPp6rTy3_HHp5WaBG-kOMjpoVCJ0n08P4YtQIbe6c/w320-h180/Typoon.jpg" title="'91 GMC Typhoon White" width="320" /></a></div>power to the wheels, both models would receive the four-speed 700R4 automatic transmission, the same transmission that many GM vehicles came with including GM sports cars and the Buick turbo cars.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><h3><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The First Factory-Built All-Wheel-Drive Technology Used For Drag Racing Performance</span></span></h3><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">What made the Syclone and the Typhoon so unique from other trucks is that they used a very performance-efficient all-wheel-drive system. This technology helped these trucks with an underrated, unofficial horsepower rating of 280 get down the quarter-mile with times that would stop the clocks somewhere in the high-to-mid 13-second range. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Since the GMC 4.3-liter turbo technology was so similar to the successful Buicks 3.8-liter turbo cars, aftermarket part dealers and car enthusiasts knew exactly what easy upgrades could be made to make these trucks amazingly performance efficient. I've personally seen Typhoons run in the high 10-second range and Syclones being lighter in weight, stop the clocks in the 9s. </span></span></div><h3><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8B-64nfYH8s" width="320" youtube-src-id="8B-64nfYH8s"></iframe></div><br /><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></h3><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><h3><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">GMC Syclone and Typhoon: Unbeatable Deal</span></span></h3><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">With great gas mileage, excellent performance, and the fact that they were limited production, the GMC Syclone and Typhoon were and are still collector items for all car enthusiasts alike. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">With production numbers of only 2,998 '91 Syclones, 2,500 in '92, and 2,200 '93 Typhoons built, the price tags on these rare trucks still stay up in the $15,000 to $25,000 range for the ones that are still in good condition.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Unfortunately, the PAS company based in Troy, MI., which was responsible for the GMC Syclone and Typhoon's engineering and design would go out of business sometime after GM decided not to go forward with any more specialized GMC vehicles. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The decision to move forward without PAS-specialized vehicles was mostly due to the progression of the Corvettes, Camaros, and Trans Ams, and the need to focus on the new technology of electric vehicles. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">That may have sounded silly then, but now, all auto companies have moved in the electric vehicle direction, and GM predicts by 2035, the only vehicles they will be producing are going to be all-electric vehicles. We'll see how that works out!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></div><h3><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Syclones and Typhoon GENERAL SPEC</span></span></h3><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihV7QYOKjxuTt4qft_PTOAwrKoYbtKnD-Pws3odaKQ1O2AuLDJznYp4P-EGhUXinngMrxjG-TCHFgtW6xSmga4iB4GiCx_Sk7AIxFIeZYcTv-KjOR9d-oEitCLinLsNjsdSOLrHIWdrg4/s259/4.3+engine.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="4.3-liter turbocharged intercooled" border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihV7QYOKjxuTt4qft_PTOAwrKoYbtKnD-Pws3odaKQ1O2AuLDJznYp4P-EGhUXinngMrxjG-TCHFgtW6xSmga4iB4GiCx_Sk7AIxFIeZYcTv-KjOR9d-oEitCLinLsNjsdSOLrHIWdrg4/s16000/4.3+engine.jpg" title="GMC Engine" /></a></div><br /><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Type:</b> V6 GMT300</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Disp.: </b> 262 C.I. (4.3L)</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Transmission:</b> 700R4</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Drive:</b> All-Wheel Drive</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Syclone Horsepower:</b> 280 Horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of Torque </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>MPG: </b>17 city and 19 highway</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Typhoon Horsepower: </b>285 Horsepower and </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">350 lb.-ft. of Torque</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">MPG: </b><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">14 city and 17 highway</span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>Brian Hensley http://www.blogger.com/profile/13992389807220431984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823495275320811710.post-1862161164138249252023-03-04T09:06:00.002-08:002023-08-18T18:59:12.207-07:001951 Buick LeSabre Concept | Harley J. Earl Advanced Technology The World Wasn't Ready For<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdYdisBaaZz7OmnuDwmY6dIlMSo7r2jsm7vhnDJpF7g0r6UnQUTovM9KDXPemo8sBN7Uwtn9P8_IbBGyfrh5QYFNxS1ISto6deeTdPTk8chabrNJCAAka-ym2oO8PJ6RlSJctckwcs_zoDXkJPhT3R9TervYVvfgaEhQnD0Evb30B1PSTUDG8twFx/s550/1951_buick_lesabre_concept_100004421_m.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1951 Buick LeSabre Concept" border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdYdisBaaZz7OmnuDwmY6dIlMSo7r2jsm7vhnDJpF7g0r6UnQUTovM9KDXPemo8sBN7Uwtn9P8_IbBGyfrh5QYFNxS1ISto6deeTdPTk8chabrNJCAAka-ym2oO8PJ6RlSJctckwcs_zoDXkJPhT3R9TervYVvfgaEhQnD0Evb30B1PSTUDG8twFx/w400-h300/1951_buick_lesabre_concept_100004421_m.jpg" title="LeSabre Concept — Harley J. Earl" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Back in 1951, this convertible Buick LeSabre was not just extreme looking, it was way ahead of its time. It had technology advancements that weren't even thought of yet and would give us a sneak peek into the future of the automotive industry. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="http://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2018/11/harley-j-earl-four-important.html" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Harley J. Earl</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> was the lead designer of this beautiful piece of machinery. From 1927 to 1958, he was General Motors' Head-of-Styling and had his hands in the cookie jar of many breakthrough designs and technology projects that would change the auto industry for years to come. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span><br /></span></span><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"></span><br style="background-color: white;" /></span><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 11pt; margin-right: 11pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/X75SxrxGNHm0wFfGYKJPVELJ9JxgxMD77i46zmuwsCPOkmjB8kkuHk7iTKEsvptoWEjFLSccTIBv6vEw6YbG7ulWzXkQHauF6NBNP1hQs5778UvA2UMLx0OzSjJHfw1F0ma-hqPy" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; transform: rotate(0rad);" width="267" /></span></span></div><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 11pt; margin-left: 11pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">One of the first things that really set this car apart was that it could function on gasoline and methyl alcohol. There were separate fuel cells for both sources and an easy way to switch between the two from the convenience of the driver seat. It also had one of the first smaller engines that could produce high horsepower, much like what we see in today's vehicles. This Buick used a 215 cubic-inch V8 HEMI aluminum block topped off with dual carbs, aluminum heads, and a supercharger that produced 29.5 PSI. All these goodies made the engine good for 335-hp @5,500-RPM. In 1951, that was an outstanding number for such a small engine.</span></span></span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 11pt; margin-left: 11pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The styling was nothing short of artwork for this concept Buick. Earl designed the first wraparound windshield that gave the driver a panoramic view of the road and surrounding areas. It also saw the likes of GM's first rear brake coolers that used functioning rear scoops on the back quarter panel. The scoops were designed and positioned to cool the brakes and the battery located in the back.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">One of the very noticeable features that people hadn't seen too much of was the hidden futuristic headlights that would pop out from behind the grille with a flip of a switch. Also, the Buick LeSabre had a feature on it that, to this day, is only really used on Indy and Formula-1 cars. The automatic jack system was the first of its kind and allowed you to work under your car without a floor jack or jack stands. Maybe today, the feature doesn't sound like much but think back to 1951 and the stock emergency jack that would be provided for you if you had an unfortunate flat tire. Remember, in '51, there were no cell phones to call AAA or a friend and no OnStar-type systems.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></p></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 11pt; margin-left: 11pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">nother feature that would really stun you back in 1951 was the automatic sensors that could recognize rain and put your rag-top and windows up without you being around to control them. The Buick even had a backup source of power, so if your battery died, you could still at least control features like the radio, windows, and the rag-top. </span></span></p><p></p></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"></span><br style="background-color: white;" /></span><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 11pt; margin-left: 11pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img height="179" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/i2mzJ-j4iSrPMuHzf2HsQi4Jc0oCBTfGE5HlnBH5MGE1-CDPOZhKFx5efpzj7PSNcFPmh5nSPPfPzS3dJGwtUDEaiLWxFwnWoPzIi-qldR3gg43WUr5VdpVAukw4rszVfpOPF1BV" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; transform: rotate(0rad);" width="267" /></span></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span><p style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This concept was designed from Earl's imagination and his love for jet airplane designs. The sleek styling lines and the flamboyant curves are what really sets this Buick apart. The interior even showed a little bit of aeronautical passion, with a dashboard that included an altimeter, tachometer, and a compass. </span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Earl adopted this 1951 Buick LeSabre as his own and drove it till he had about 50,000 miles on it before handing it over to the GM museum in the 1960s. Earl was a well-respected engineer who became a legend along with his creations like this one. </span></span></p>Brian Hensley http://www.blogger.com/profile/13992389807220431984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823495275320811710.post-12178438767630952522022-12-18T18:21:00.002-08:002022-12-18T18:32:23.893-08:00Camaro SS 30th Anniversary SLP Edition (LT4) <p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1LfZ8er6DG0n-aT8v4o-eyVoFcuI6Vx8XJ8dssJPPn6Tbmo877eCWPbw68zeOVTb9ckkNtt7aDdjlH_6qgn3jIbvaoFzgQxOwoxEmjTbqkISTyxdMW5lIdyaFBlm-aSR5xVxI67e_saQAl94CdPKYnGSF11JaR_mvUf8-P_1w0AeUy_hRNnuYoz1p=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1997 Camaro SS SLP" border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1LfZ8er6DG0n-aT8v4o-eyVoFcuI6Vx8XJ8dssJPPn6Tbmo877eCWPbw68zeOVTb9ckkNtt7aDdjlH_6qgn3jIbvaoFzgQxOwoxEmjTbqkISTyxdMW5lIdyaFBlm-aSR5xVxI67e_saQAl94CdPKYnGSF11JaR_mvUf8-P_1w0AeUy_hRNnuYoz1p=w400-h266" title="1997 Camaro SS 30th Anniversary" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><br /><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">1997 Camaro SS 30th Anniversary SLP Edition</span></p><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><a href="http://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2019/03/1968-copo-camaro-z28-convertible-rarest.html" target="_blank">Anniversary Editions</a> are always fun. Special stripes, badges, and performance upgrades find their way onto a limited number of stock versions of a vehicle to celebrate the special year. </span></span></div><p></p><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">Although anniversary additions usually see minor changes, that wasn't the case when it came to the 1997 Camaro SS 30th Anniversary </span><span class="hiddenSpellError" data-mce-bogus="1" style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">SLP</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"> Edition. </span></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">All of the 30th Anniversary </span><span class="hiddenSpellError" data-mce-bogus="1" style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">Camaros</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"> (RS, Z-28, and SS) seen an eye-popping color scheme and 30th Anniversary badges placed throughout the interior, but a few SS </span><span class="hiddenSpellError" data-mce-bogus="1" style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">Camaros</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"> (US 100 – Canada 6 – Prototype 2) got much more than just a few minor upgrades and a cool looking color scheme. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Those few special Camaro SS received a stout LT4 5.7-liter engine installed by SLP.</span></span></div><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgpSkX3crwckrHDQEYLIWIpuLJnZBpHQ6kb9MPrxTO7nxJydPdwGleuvbBVgJUhfT5eQw5dUzT2wLd9fzI5njNAtJMiwu-TRyfx9EnPIlGKYiEJJWq7MfHf1nrDeMRwbnCeDgcW7eeps/s530/2019_I500_Mario3_1600x800.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1969 Indianapolis 500 Pace Card" border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="530" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgpSkX3crwckrHDQEYLIWIpuLJnZBpHQ6kb9MPrxTO7nxJydPdwGleuvbBVgJUhfT5eQw5dUzT2wLd9fzI5njNAtJMiwu-TRyfx9EnPIlGKYiEJJWq7MfHf1nrDeMRwbnCeDgcW7eeps/w400-h226/2019_I500_Mario3_1600x800.jpg" title="1969 Indianapolis 500 Pace Card" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p></p><h3><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Where Did The Color Scheme for the Anniversary Edition Camaro Come From?</span></span></h3><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="mceItemHidden" data-mce-bogus="1">The color scheme is a throwback to the 1969 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Camaro. </span>Just like in '69, the '97 30th Anniversary Camaro was painted Arctic White accompanied by a set of Hugger Orange racing stripes that graced the hood, deck-lid, and roof of all of the 1997 Anniversary Editions </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(unless it was a convertible). </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><h3><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The All-Important 330 HP Badge</span></span></h3><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">They all may have looked the same and had the same embroider badges on the seats and the floor mats, but only a select few got to wear the all-important 330-hp badge indicating an LT4 under the hood.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">Almost all of the Anniversary Editions came with stock engines that matched their trim package except for those few lucky </span><a href="https://www.autoblog.com/2020/05/10/2021-chevy-camaro-wild-cherry-package/" style="background-color: white; color: #2288bb; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">SS <span class="hiddenSpellError" data-mce-bogus="1">Camaros</span> </a><span style="color: #666666;">that</span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">got to take the trip to </span><span class="hiddenSpellError" data-mce-bogus="1" style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">SLP</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"> Engineering after they rolled off the assembly line.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="hiddenSpellError" data-mce-bogus="1" style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="hiddenSpellError" data-mce-bogus="1" style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><a href="https://specialtyvehicleengineering.com/about-sve/" target="_blank">SLP</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><a href="https://specialtyvehicleengineering.com/about-sve/" target="_blank"> Engineering</a> was able to get its hands on extra leftover LT4 motors that were used in the <a href="http://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2017/02/1996-corvette-grand-sport-throw-back-to.html" target="_blank">1996 Corvette Grand Sport</a> a year earlier. Before </span><span class="hiddenSpellError" data-mce-bogus="1" style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">SLP</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"> bolted these LT4 motors into the </span><span class="hiddenSpellError" data-mce-bogus="1" style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">Camaros</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">, they broke each engine down and had them balanced and blue-printed. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQKFQPnaquKzhVxZho0JkIseG5-WjSIJgb2RBckysJKQbOFQUb3izKoLvVD44ikNtdiynlijI7kXICuEPHFxldfkh-aWU1dJMwcwH1mfKaNFu-VCcZMg06j95GrMSpxByrgnChbLGk_M/s608/Camaro+SS+5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="LT4 Camaro SS engine" border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQKFQPnaquKzhVxZho0JkIseG5-WjSIJgb2RBckysJKQbOFQUb3izKoLvVD44ikNtdiynlijI7kXICuEPHFxldfkh-aWU1dJMwcwH1mfKaNFu-VCcZMg06j95GrMSpxByrgnChbLGk_M/w400-h300/Camaro+SS+5.jpg" title="LT4 Camaro SS engine" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">On paper, the LT4 was documented to get 330 horsepower at 5,800 RPM and reached its max torque at 4,500 RPM. But many car enthusiasts and automotive professionals believe this motor that had 10.8:1 compression was definitely underrated.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFieb8CG09ERA_qCV6XGRqjglMzKMtB29Lnj9uCVL0jWmGkk46HCQTUIfva49uOKEqaylx4H_zvxTGuouHdEEqzVxm3-uvRswIEGD5rXrqqxCVfqQidkDKNgsNJ8LTHgR7FSf7sVM6b4w/s1280/Camaro+SS+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="SLP SS Camaro" border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFieb8CG09ERA_qCV6XGRqjglMzKMtB29Lnj9uCVL0jWmGkk46HCQTUIfva49uOKEqaylx4H_zvxTGuouHdEEqzVxm3-uvRswIEGD5rXrqqxCVfqQidkDKNgsNJ8LTHgR7FSf7sVM6b4w/w400-h266/Camaro+SS+3.jpg" title="1997 SS Camaro 30th Anniversary SLP" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><h3><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">More SLP Camaro Upgrades</span></span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">The 1997 Camaro SS with the SLP LT4 upgrade also received a Borg-Warner </span><span class="hiddenSpellError" data-mce-bogus="1" style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">T56</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"> six-speed manual transmission, a performance exhaust, a lightweight driveshaft, </span><span class="hiddenSpellError" data-mce-bogus="1" style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">Bilstein</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"> sport suspension (optional level III </span><span class="hiddenSpellError" data-mce-bogus="1" style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">Bilstein</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"> suspension package), and a </span><span class="hiddenSpellError" data-mce-bogus="1" style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">Torsen</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"> limited-slip differential. All those extras were good to get you from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds and down the quarter-mile in 13.3 seconds. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">With the <a href="http://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2019/03/ecopo-camaro-future-of-drag-racing.html" target="_blank">explosion of technology</a> in the auto industry, that may not seem so amazing in this generation, but back in 1997, that was the fastest production American sports car on the market. There were no American sports cars at that time that could be bought from a dealer that went that fast.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXka7L-SCTuIT4LVTTrl39pe2FTVlrumLse7oDbytpeLi3MYP0mCb3zAdm-TcEfdZ1i3fD-8wDV1sNvMtM8wIzmawsNUB8Yhvdn88pH3TzcEUqa_oBer87O35DyGGHp5NVDRPqYQV4VLg/s1280/1997-chevrolet-camaro-z28-30th-anniversary-lt4-5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="330 HP Badge SS Camaro" border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXka7L-SCTuIT4LVTTrl39pe2FTVlrumLse7oDbytpeLi3MYP0mCb3zAdm-TcEfdZ1i3fD-8wDV1sNvMtM8wIzmawsNUB8Yhvdn88pH3TzcEUqa_oBer87O35DyGGHp5NVDRPqYQV4VLg/w400-h266/1997-chevrolet-camaro-z28-30th-anniversary-lt4-5.jpg" title="SS Camaro 1997 SLP Eddition" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><br /></span></span></div><div><b style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Identifying a 1997 Camaro SS 30th Anniversary LT-4 SLP Edition</span></b></div><div><div><span class="mceItemHidden" data-mce-bogus="1" style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">So how do you tell if what you're looking at or what you own is one of these rare <a href="https://www.americanmusclecarmuseum.com/chevrolet-vehicles/174-1997-chevrolet-camaro-z28-30th-anniversary-lt4.html" target="_blank">30th Anniversary <span class="hiddenSpellError" data-mce-bogus="1">SLP</span> <span class="hiddenSpellError" data-mce-bogus="1">LT4</span> SS <span class="hiddenSpellError" data-mce-bogus="1">Camaros</span></a>? Regular SS 30th Anniversary <span class="hiddenSpellError" data-mce-bogus="1">Camaros</span> are commonly mistaken for these very rare <span class="hiddenSpellError" data-mce-bogus="1">SLP</span> Editions, and that's because they're easy to pass off as one. </span></span></div><div><span class="mceItemHidden" data-mce-bogus="1" style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="mceItemHidden" data-mce-bogus="1" style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">All of the <span class="hiddenSpellError" data-mce-bogus="1">SLP</span> <span class="hiddenSpellError" data-mce-bogus="1">LT4</span> Editions rolled off the line and out of the factory as an LT1 before being shipped off for the special treatment. That means even SLP LT4 SS Camaros will still indicate that it is an LT1 Camaro SS in the Vin#. </span></span></div><div><span class="mceItemHidden" data-mce-bogus="1" style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">First, to either begin or end the discussion of whether it is a true SS or not, look at the trim options. If it's anything other than a white SS hardtop with Huggar Orange stripes, your SS is not an SS LT4 SLP Limited Edition. </span></div><div><span class="mceItemHidden" data-mce-bogus="1" style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="mceItemHidden" data-mce-bogus="1" style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">There are a few places on the <a href="http://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2019/04/1992-camaro-rs-that-never-made-it-into.html" target="_blank">Camaro</a> that will definitely give you the information you want if it wasn't removed post-SLP Treatment. Right above the rear bumper on the opposite side of the SS emblem, a special edition 330-hp badge will let you know if it's an LT4 SLP, but these can be easily applied to regular SS Cmaros. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">To get to the bottom of your research, you want to look inside the driver's side door and or inside the glove box to find the RPO code. This should indicate if it has been in the hands of the</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"> </span><span class="hiddenSpellError" data-mce-bogus="1" style="color: #666666;">SLP</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">engineers. But if you're still not sure what you are looking at, you can always call</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"> </span><span class="hiddenSpellError" data-mce-bogus="1" style="color: #666666;">SLP</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">Engineering, they are sure to have records of what</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"> </span><span class="hiddenSpellError" data-mce-bogus="1" style="color: #666666;">Camaros</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">they got their hands on.</span></span></div><div><br /></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyoX9Grfaffyf-9tYdUj95citHPTw2q8KX1iozmPy_g1TjUGJ2Qo3dNZtWvya2jaiWUxFBp9CU7E1j1m9wrqOA1-snSM3QXhJdn9_cLTmGT4VsI4BE8v0hTL2zT6AqskOkQ0pPR94X6E/s1280/Camaro+Interior.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1997 Camaro SS 30th Anniversary LT4 SLP Edition" border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyoX9Grfaffyf-9tYdUj95citHPTw2q8KX1iozmPy_g1TjUGJ2Qo3dNZtWvya2jaiWUxFBp9CU7E1j1m9wrqOA1-snSM3QXhJdn9_cLTmGT4VsI4BE8v0hTL2zT6AqskOkQ0pPR94X6E/w400-h266/Camaro+Interior.jpg" title="1997 Camaro SS 30th Anniversary LT4 SLP Edition" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">If you do have a true LT4 SS 30th Anniversary Camaro in your sights, you're looking at a true collectible. These cars will eventually sell on the Barrett Jackson block like the </span><a href="http://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2020/12/difference-between-yenko-camaro-and.html" target="_blank"><span class="hiddenSpellError" data-mce-bogus="1">COPO</span> <span class="hiddenSpellError" data-mce-bogus="1">Camaros</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"> do right now. They're good-looking, powerful, rare, and fun to drive.</span></span></div><div><h1><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Happy Hunting!</span></h1></div><p> </p>Brian Hensley http://www.blogger.com/profile/13992389807220431984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823495275320811710.post-77708888663280538352022-12-04T12:44:00.006-08:002022-12-08T11:05:08.280-08:00The 1956 Corvette "The Real McCoy" That Saved The Brand <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqu7HjasULAKmtoPrzqRGTs4gm0rTWvh56h_BiHvx44t18JSMpDVne2-BWXKMduS7ZOtUf2mt2dIbSfcldFlUzrbpL4D_dAHQnw_D9kDHMKxiJI1txC31DDZpDEzmD0Du8X1mbgAT09P60QN3jaPguEUvhIVHAGKGrAD-fQx1347PVzjvQY6nR1OdP/s960/The%20Real%20McCoy.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img alt="1956 Corvette" border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="960" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqu7HjasULAKmtoPrzqRGTs4gm0rTWvh56h_BiHvx44t18JSMpDVne2-BWXKMduS7ZOtUf2mt2dIbSfcldFlUzrbpL4D_dAHQnw_D9kDHMKxiJI1txC31DDZpDEzmD0Du8X1mbgAT09P60QN3jaPguEUvhIVHAGKGrAD-fQx1347PVzjvQY6nR1OdP/w400-h314/The%20Real%20McCoy.jpeg" title="The Real McCoy Corvette" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Just about anybody in the world who knows a little about cars knows that </span><a href="http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2013/12/23/the-real-mccoy-1956-corvette-to-cross-the-block-in-kissimmee/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the Corvette</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> was the first American sports car and is now the most popular, fastest, and most recognizable American sports car to date. But what a lot of people may not know is that this was not always true. In fact, by the year 1955, the Corvette almost saw its extinction.</span></span></div><span id="docs-internal-guid-d1a9f64b-7fff-51c0-3d60-acdc5d9bfd08"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">Rumors about the move to drop the Corvette flooded out of Chevrolet's top offices with very sad sales numbers to back up what only seemed to be a good idea. Their competition, the two-seater Ford Thunderbird, which sold an astonishing 16,000 units in 1955—the Corvette—only sold a depressing 700 units.</span></span></div><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>Unfortunately for Ford, the same car that was taking so many sales away from the Corvette would be the inspiration for keeping the Corvette in the product lineup. The idea behind keeping the Vette and spending more money on a car that was obviously tanking was brought on by a few Chevrolet bigwigs, including former Corvette chief engineer Dave McLellan. McLellan released a statement concurring that,</span></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> "if the Ford Thunderbird was doing so well, there is obviously a market for a two-seater sports car. With a solid change for the better and the right amount of marketing, the Corvette should be able to become a moneymaker."</span></span></div><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">In an ironic twist, the very car that Corvette planned to piggyback off of, the Ford Thunderbird, had already made future plans to market the car differently by doing away with the two-seater style and making it a four-seater touring car, thus leaving the American sports car market wide open for Chevrolet and its Corvette.</span></span></div></div></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_YTN7P-kPBidSa4hz17yvWaTmOJAudItIBoZpE4LQgx0nYQ6xG6TgmQE6K5Ka9oyTjuAttXwQnw7VQr2e64sL07_vmagMXx-guZvwrwCxDbWD-cX9c1t06X-Ss2HiRY9QAbo4Vv7RufKCR58IT1hWX1-eqkdruqM47XUIrgAFlkFL4UAcQ28NMZR/s1664/engine%20Corvette.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img alt="Corvette 327" border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1664" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_YTN7P-kPBidSa4hz17yvWaTmOJAudItIBoZpE4LQgx0nYQ6xG6TgmQE6K5Ka9oyTjuAttXwQnw7VQr2e64sL07_vmagMXx-guZvwrwCxDbWD-cX9c1t06X-Ss2HiRY9QAbo4Vv7RufKCR58IT1hWX1-eqkdruqM47XUIrgAFlkFL4UAcQ28NMZR/w400-h225/engine%20Corvette.jpg" title="1956 Corvette" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p><span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Real McCoy" </span></span></span></p><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>As wide open as the market was, the Corvette needed some changes for success, ideally in the form of performance and a new body style. When Zora Arkus Dutov took the reins as </span></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Corvette Chief Engineer,</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> he was ready to make those changes, but he knew first the chassis had to be redesigned to handle any horsepower upgrades.</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Once engineers updated and strengthen the chassis, </span><a href="http://gmpowerhouses.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Chevrolet engineers</span></a> <span>went</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> performance and horsepower hunting. First, they ditched the boring and heavy two-speed power-glide transmission and replaced it with an upgraded four-speed. They also took the original 265 cu.-in. motor and bored it out to a 307 that sported dual Cater carbs and a now-famous "Dutov High-Performance Cam." </span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJ4nfxocoaVUVPFe-Y_RqwxDd5sqAmnZgQVCqEGkt7B1NEAT5-kAMP8XsL52yL8xgjnINXBFeF4nhKilK8KYLZwyWE91lKMLshR-dZzZ2eIaW3M4M2aJ7OJPhnKp1Ntju4HjLLM7SDNrs5Y2MJS6Z6fUebhbQlYccuwTGVFQiicwdeBqHoVaj3uZO/s1536/rear%20Real%20McCoy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1956 Corvette Real McCoy" border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="1536" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJ4nfxocoaVUVPFe-Y_RqwxDd5sqAmnZgQVCqEGkt7B1NEAT5-kAMP8XsL52yL8xgjnINXBFeF4nhKilK8KYLZwyWE91lKMLshR-dZzZ2eIaW3M4M2aJ7OJPhnKp1Ntju4HjLLM7SDNrs5Y2MJS6Z6fUebhbQlYccuwTGVFQiicwdeBqHoVaj3uZO/w400-h266/rear%20Real%20McCoy.jpg" title="1956 Corvette" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;">Other upgrades were also included on the Real McCoy like a very rare set of Halibrand magnesium knock-off wheels, special heavy-duty brakes with cooling scoops, heavy-duty shocks and sway bars, an upgraded high-capacity fuel tank, and more—all newly implicated to help achieve the Corvette performance desired.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">After all of those upgrades, top engineers slapped a new SR Prototype body on what was now known as project Corvette #6901. The engineers called it "The Real McCoy" and decided it was ready to head to the racetrack. </span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dayton Speedway Record </b></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">The first stop for the "Real McCoy" was the Dayton Speed Week for a two-way flying speed mile. This is where the Corvette would make its first milestone. At the time, the record for the Corvettes class was 127 mph. With Dutov as the driver, the 255-horsepower Corvette sped to an average speed of 150.58mph to crush the record. </span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">This was an extremely sufficient record because it occurred just weeks before the New York Motorama, where the Corvette would be on display to many potential buyers, most of which had already heard the news of the record-breaking performance.</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>12-Hour Sebring Race</b></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">A few months after Daytona, the ground-breaking Corvette made its way to the famous 12-Hour Sebring Race. This race was designed only for the toughest of the toughest—the fastest of the fastest. Only cars like Jaguars, Bentleys, and Aston Martins graced the racetracks for these events. But with a chance to prove that the Corvette has changed and deserved respect along with the other powerful sports cars, Chevrolet did not shy away, instead, they joined in on the action.</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8GI3M4hq1JM4S15ORq7Kk0YfJ2ucPIDkPp4-lbAIs9MUR6W1bI6Hh6xJWMXMfpntY7rAKKAtdBxg6BYEWv4nN93pF5yBvCZ_s3m5Hp_htkn0o6YnhaH1U9VEODnI-3ygoWJSCpFsNKOg0P-pcNOWqQBlN6IG6gB8W05C0HLv6Up4LaYfdtD30dcS/s1800/autocontentexp.com2011-Motorsports-Chevrole-36f69f3c954dcbba22d4979981e13d51ebfa0a9c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1956 12-hour of Sebring" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8GI3M4hq1JM4S15ORq7Kk0YfJ2ucPIDkPp4-lbAIs9MUR6W1bI6Hh6xJWMXMfpntY7rAKKAtdBxg6BYEWv4nN93pF5yBvCZ_s3m5Hp_htkn0o6YnhaH1U9VEODnI-3ygoWJSCpFsNKOg0P-pcNOWqQBlN6IG6gB8W05C0HLv6Up4LaYfdtD30dcS/w400-h240/autocontentexp.com2011-Motorsports-Chevrole-36f69f3c954dcbba22d4979981e13d51ebfa0a9c.jpg" title="1956 Corvette" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Race car drivers John Fitch and Walter Hansgen were brought on board to take on the challenging race. When the green flag dropped, the race was on. But early on in the race, the Corvette experienced mechanical problems, so much so they did not think it would finish the race. In the end, not only did the Real McCoy Corvette finish, the Corvette finished first in its respective class and 9</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="vertical-align: super;">th</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> overall. This was an incredible accomplishment, especially considering 60 cars entered the event, but only 24 crossed the finish line.</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">With another huge milestone under Corvette's belt, Chevrolet exploited it by printing ads like this "A Tough, Road-Gripping Torpedo On Wheels" and "The Most Remarkable Car Made In America Today." </span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Those ads were to send a message: Corvette had finally arrived as a force in the international sportscar racing circuits, and they proudly called this particular Vette </span><a href="http://www.corvette-mag.com/issues/58/articles/the-real-mccoy#.Uuf3fbTTnIU" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"The Real McCoy."</span></a></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">Between all of its accomplishments and Chevrolet's ad campaigns, the '56 Corvette sold 3,467 units, and in '57 they nearly doubled that with 6,339 sold. One of the main reasons the Corvette saw such selling success was if they were to race the Vette in its respected class at the 12-hour Sebring race, every part that was changed or modified for the race had to be documented and later made available to the public. This process made potential buyers very excited about being able to buy a Corvette and beef it up to run and look just like the “The Real McCoy” </span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lqmDa6bm36-rg_uSwF7e5oVxq5OuuwF1xOa2iUCu-879b28gIAAEGJyvBkVqmh5q6KSsfiR5SjlZIxYiNJZrcvzvEquPMHH0pYXp4_CRZJPzJvniPd40UtpiHECBepNuF3gfhx5AaeT5pe_ZT9T3UreoLSzP0mTO59lCTCD_BJOLpxAXgSNjsKyo/s1024/2.3%20mill%20Corvette.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Real McCoy Corvette at Mecum" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lqmDa6bm36-rg_uSwF7e5oVxq5OuuwF1xOa2iUCu-879b28gIAAEGJyvBkVqmh5q6KSsfiR5SjlZIxYiNJZrcvzvEquPMHH0pYXp4_CRZJPzJvniPd40UtpiHECBepNuF3gfhx5AaeT5pe_ZT9T3UreoLSzP0mTO59lCTCD_BJOLpxAXgSNjsKyo/w400-h266/2.3%20mill%20Corvette.jpg" title="Mecum" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Auctioned Away For $2.3 Million</b></span></div></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In any event, if it was not for the #6901 '56 PJ Prototype "Real McCoy" Corvette, and possibly the success of the Thunderbird, Chevrolet may have never gone forward with the Corvette and, </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.caranddriver.com/features/g22035705/fully-vetted-the-visual-history-of-the-chevrolet-corvette/">the automobile industry</a></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> would definitely not be the same today.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>Brian Hensley http://www.blogger.com/profile/13992389807220431984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823495275320811710.post-8940648302407077892022-11-26T11:56:00.001-08:002022-12-18T20:39:22.055-08:00Pontiac Firehawk Third and Forth-Generation: Which One To Buy<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcgT62q-eZqhwt14gMVvfE_khjkX-6_APZa01UsVFeMXVNv_ktRiE5rdeGHg3hgVDkMMfJort7tSosTnIAXEtWJMMgkQeNWUtc44mduE_Dl_BGACYKnNopR3eM-gydvI4n361lDcT-UY_Qy-cqn0afe6w1KkdUnJtewBqpmgXUBvOehoZfh16gFx6/s640/1999-firehawk.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="2021 Pontiac Firehawk" border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="640" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcgT62q-eZqhwt14gMVvfE_khjkX-6_APZa01UsVFeMXVNv_ktRiE5rdeGHg3hgVDkMMfJort7tSosTnIAXEtWJMMgkQeNWUtc44mduE_Dl_BGACYKnNopR3eM-gydvI4n361lDcT-UY_Qy-cqn0afe6w1KkdUnJtewBqpmgXUBvOehoZfh16gFx6/w400-h274/1999-firehawk.jpg" title="2022 Pontiac Firehawk" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="color: #0e101a;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I think most <a href="https://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2022/10/chevrolet-chevelle-quick-review-of.html" target="_blank">automobile enthusiasts</a> would agree that very few vehicles from the mid-'70s to the late '80s could be considered high-performance vehicles. Between higher-priced fuel due to oil shortages, the EPA clamp-down in search of better emissions, and sky-rocketing insurance rates, there was just no market for higher-performing cars, especially with the US bouncing in and out of recessions. </span></span><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">But still, in the ‘80s, there were some well-performing cars that gave us gearheads some hope for a change—a light at the end of the tunnel that would get us out of an era that produced mostly disappointing sports cars and sad muscle car attempts. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So when did the tides start to change for the high-performance automobile industry?</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></span></h2><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStlGnwrh4jFfYdFrk1wBXe5sJUvJoaWmVvcRLhxL0F3IqEUbyRvjIe6lhFI3udTep8hdjNUFBkCZc_aWBpk3Qwoj4K2jzjLi1mshCULzkY6Gnuz5bfpABo6Yz1xJ-ynWNv9bh70wSab5zSAu8FxjaFmPpxk5x_B0ZP-UwsvhbCxKDorp3hn1lagQO/s1767/1987-regal-grand-national-hubcaps.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Buick Grand National" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1767" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStlGnwrh4jFfYdFrk1wBXe5sJUvJoaWmVvcRLhxL0F3IqEUbyRvjIe6lhFI3udTep8hdjNUFBkCZc_aWBpk3Qwoj4K2jzjLi1mshCULzkY6Gnuz5bfpABo6Yz1xJ-ynWNv9bh70wSab5zSAu8FxjaFmPpxk5x_B0ZP-UwsvhbCxKDorp3hn1lagQO/w400-h245/1987-regal-grand-national-hubcaps.jpg" title="1987 Buick Grand National" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></span></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It is tough to pinpoint when or where, but there are a few vehicles like the <a href="https://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2019/07/buick-grand-national-first-muscle-car.html" target="_blank">Buick Grand National</a>, GMC Syclone and Typhoon, prototype 454 Corvette ZR-2, and some other impressive attempts to revive the high-performance auto industry. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">One very important contribution to the reviving process was the creation of the Pontiac Firehawk. Let’s take a look at how these cool cars got their start, what made them awesome, and how they evolved. </span></strong></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></strong></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6M7jvMb6Wx1sVWlo3yBomSbFGbAWNyA1V381SWLr20fEofOv33gcTqurX6SMAxy6k7B5-dqHjp07UDCpqKYL5U_JvugpWIQmxSgPRuYsJeWabqALRiMEkY792eweV4eZvCQ3Qie5BQThMNRwprZoX8k0z25oa_ZSOftnI6DtuUIbwyKnvpPMnsi2d/s640/9296firehawks025.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img alt="92 Pontiac Firehawk" border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6M7jvMb6Wx1sVWlo3yBomSbFGbAWNyA1V381SWLr20fEofOv33gcTqurX6SMAxy6k7B5-dqHjp07UDCpqKYL5U_JvugpWIQmxSgPRuYsJeWabqALRiMEkY792eweV4eZvCQ3Qie5BQThMNRwprZoX8k0z25oa_ZSOftnI6DtuUIbwyKnvpPMnsi2d/w400-h300/9296firehawks025.jpg" title="92 Pontiac Firehawk" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The 1991 and 1992 Pontiac Firehawk </span></strong></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">When <a href="https://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2014/03/new-2014-gto-judge-6t9-goat.html" target="_blank">Pontiac</a> was ready to give their sports car a boost in the right direction, they looked to the SLP company. Starting in 1987, SLP has been a huge contributor to high-performance parts for vehicles of all kinds. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Pontiac just didn’t place some of the SLP high-performance parts on the soon-to-be Firehawk, instead, the two companies joined together to create a new performance RPO code name B4U or better known as the Pontiac Firehawk. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Built off the Firebird trim package, this Pontiac received an L98 350 V8 engine that pumped out 360 horsepower 390 lb.-ft. of torque thanks mostly to upgraded pistons, intake, exhaust, and a set of well-ported heads.</span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Other upgrades included:</span></strong></h3><ul style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">C4 Corvette ZF 6-speed manual transmission </span></span></li><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Aluminum driveshaft</span></span></li><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Limited-slip differential </span></span></li><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">275/40-17 tires</span></span></li></ul><div><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>Firehawk $9,000 option</b></span><br /><ul style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Recaro front seats</span></span></li><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Aluminum hood</span></span></li><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Roll Cage</span></span></li><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Five-point harnesses </span></span></li><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Stiffer bushings for the rear control arms</span></span></li><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Brembo® brakes</span></span></li><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Optional fuel cell</span></span></li></ul><div><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Performance Results</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></span></h3><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">There are no official times that any one source can tie down as a positive, but an easy 13-second quarter-mile time at 106 mph seems to be about on target with its 4.6 seconds 0-60 mph times. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Production Numbers</span></strong></h3><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Between the ‘91 and '92 third-generation Firehawks, a total of 25 were built. The first eight Firehawks were built as 1991 Pontiac Firehawks, and the last 17 were built as 1992 Firehawks. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Fourth-Generation: Pontiac Firehawk 1993</span></strong></span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCj6MY_VkQQYKa9o6vCLw1EMxVwf620NxIw3mAIEMIt3QsSGxFQhrpBUcr8RR4B0YI9yI4AaL1AC-IMPYmV3pEz0mro_Yy4KOGy1FaxIRhUiMjp1Pdls079LM8GQUwXi1DBWDDHEsseEfvw2g_qsYOZDO4fCwEvKJNkYXjBra3BGvPFYqkiAD56uD/s761/Firehawk.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img alt="93 Pontiac Firehawk" border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="761" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCj6MY_VkQQYKa9o6vCLw1EMxVwf620NxIw3mAIEMIt3QsSGxFQhrpBUcr8RR4B0YI9yI4AaL1AC-IMPYmV3pEz0mro_Yy4KOGy1FaxIRhUiMjp1Pdls079LM8GQUwXi1DBWDDHEsseEfvw2g_qsYOZDO4fCwEvKJNkYXjBra3BGvPFYqkiAD56uD/w400-h239/Firehawk.png" title="1993 Pontiac Firehawk" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The first Firehawks were so well-received there was no doubt Pontiac was going to carry the nameplate over to the fourth-generation Firebirds. Unfortunately, these Firehawks would receive fewer upgrades from the original ‘93 Firebird Formula. Most people believe it was to not take too much away from the new-generation look and drivetrain. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Fourth-Generation Firehawk Upgrades</span></strong></h3><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">With both Camaro Z28 and Firebird Formula now receiving the new LT1 that Corvette started using just one year earlier, more power became a little bit more achievable. In stock form, the 5.7-liter LT1 engine would make 275 horsepower. With some special Firehawk tuning, the LT1’s power was boosted to 300 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Other Upgrades Included: </span></strong></h3><ul style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Lightweight composite hood with functional CAI ram air</span></span></li><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Firehawk graphics</span></span></li><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Stainless exhaust tips</span></span></li><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">17-inch x 8-½-inch aluminum alloy wheels</span></span></li><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">P275/40ZR17 Firestone Firehawk tires</span></span></li><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">201 Firehawks produced in 1993 with the RPO code of R6V</span></span></li></ul><div><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></strong></div><div><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">1994 Pontiac Firehawk </span></strong></div><div><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFd5t98T8spfEsh0Lsouwyfqk1Q9lQ_BeEGcOVANjDV_tWFOjwwUUa_iJ1HryMpGL6W69ldifgdZGcaLByykK2_b0nMne3nTtczJ43YGy_ThH0YYPGff0aNnIilzSGIsG3Q288H2gYVR4yAVd4Uu7cR-TxqmNRN-AdqNeadIgUSm2k-Ija6vqhYAQ/s1024/2G2FV22P4P2211605-27.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img alt="1994 Firehawk" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFd5t98T8spfEsh0Lsouwyfqk1Q9lQ_BeEGcOVANjDV_tWFOjwwUUa_iJ1HryMpGL6W69ldifgdZGcaLByykK2_b0nMne3nTtczJ43YGy_ThH0YYPGff0aNnIilzSGIsG3Q288H2gYVR4yAVd4Uu7cR-TxqmNRN-AdqNeadIgUSm2k-Ija6vqhYAQ/w400-h300/2G2FV22P4P2211605-27.jpg" title="1994 Pontiac Firehawk" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">These fourth-gen Firehawks would get an increase of 15 horsepower and an increase of 5 lb.-ft. of torque from the previous year. The increase was achieved thanks to a 3-inch dual system with a less restrictive muffler. You were also able to option up a Level II Bilstein suspension package for some great handling attributes and better launches. </span></div><div><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">1995 Pontiac Firehawk</span></strong></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnNdXaG_ZHsL5G0FnzgxtTIw_wEj0SWHeDBRDd4sAuSkTCb24KJlAzEpSBQzgUEtgPAA23UZuJWGPAIlSqLQ8zmyNtTywYG048cSzS8zTLTOkZZ8H6HIrWJGaIuc6O13Z1yrC6gIMtdLIvqP43unBJD7SpmzJFqLqSQex0YdutAOjur9GjdOahO3d/s1664/da0915-222553_1@2x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img alt="95 Pontiac Firehawk Convertible" border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1664" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnNdXaG_ZHsL5G0FnzgxtTIw_wEj0SWHeDBRDd4sAuSkTCb24KJlAzEpSBQzgUEtgPAA23UZuJWGPAIlSqLQ8zmyNtTywYG048cSzS8zTLTOkZZ8H6HIrWJGaIuc6O13Z1yrC6gIMtdLIvqP43unBJD7SpmzJFqLqSQex0YdutAOjur9GjdOahO3d/w400-h225/da0915-222553_1@2x.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Although mostly unchanged from the previous year, Pontiac did make a move that made the Firehawk more desirable to a wider audience. For the first time, a Firehawk buyer had the option of purchasing one in a convertible configuration. In fact, 102 convertibles were said to be built for ‘95. Unfortunately, although the convertible Firehawk received all the other performance upgrades as the other Firehawks, they were unable to be ordered with the Level II Bilstein Sport Suspension. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">1996 Pontiac Firehawk </span></strong></h3><div><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></strong></div><div><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6QEer-bBvPptG5IwM0lafTDx1DJZWL33wxNURRA7X0mBD970uAl5pkI865uFnPoaZXztXVkBDVXyATe2DUhcGAOOm32SDcn0G1-4m8xSSUtOzm0dol9v_7Yg-SeazFi5qMu84yHBoqt-BGRh5ePRka6I0mp1EWoPaq2x6aQnxlaGqGAW4EVQ6kuM/s506/1996-Pontiac-Firebird-FrontSide_POFIRFOR963_506x347.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1996 Pontiac Firehawk" border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="506" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6QEer-bBvPptG5IwM0lafTDx1DJZWL33wxNURRA7X0mBD970uAl5pkI865uFnPoaZXztXVkBDVXyATe2DUhcGAOOm32SDcn0G1-4m8xSSUtOzm0dol9v_7Yg-SeazFi5qMu84yHBoqt-BGRh5ePRka6I0mp1EWoPaq2x6aQnxlaGqGAW4EVQ6kuM/w400-h274/1996-Pontiac-Firebird-FrontSide_POFIRFOR963_506x347.jpg" title="Firehawk" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></strong></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">1996 was a low production year for the Firehawk due to the interest that SLP found in the WS6 Ram Air Pontiacs and Camaro SS. Only 41 were produced, but the nice thing was that the Firehawk performance package ended up costing less than it did the previous year. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">1997 Pontiac Firehawk </span></strong></span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9iN_FLgvRLd2aX1IZW5UFyyW5d0OOpKAEuPYtxqDHtvWAFg-Uv4nqTKEeH51d9CyDnp4dLOej8pvaJSNswhIZZDKY86-lRe9Up1jSOdKqT6u7vUQUUK2qS9ln83vsb8uCN6UD0rmqeNOWWtk1LKbMfUJkVIc6YSzTgMdSFBWk95jd5phgfJpyoQva/s1664/dsc0083-1542126782189@2x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img alt="97 Pontiac Fire Hawk" border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1664" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9iN_FLgvRLd2aX1IZW5UFyyW5d0OOpKAEuPYtxqDHtvWAFg-Uv4nqTKEeH51d9CyDnp4dLOej8pvaJSNswhIZZDKY86-lRe9Up1jSOdKqT6u7vUQUUK2qS9ln83vsb8uCN6UD0rmqeNOWWtk1LKbMfUJkVIc6YSzTgMdSFBWk95jd5phgfJpyoQva/w400-h225/dsc0083-1542126782189@2x.jpg" title="1997 Pontiac Fire Hawk" width="400" /></span></a></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">1997 was another special year for the Firehawks. Although it is unknown how many were produced, 29 were produced with a Corvette LT4 engine. Since in ‘97, Corvette had moved on to the new and improved LS1 engine, there were extra LT4 engines left over. Some of those engines went into the ‘97 Camaro SS SLP Edition, and the others went into the Firehawk. Other than the bigger engine package, not much changed from ‘96 to the ‘97 for the Firehawk. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaIW8pKJEYlYPAAXv2VTpyQUM2h6pGQt7SlHhj-7EKSOtMUpM00Hjy_1E7zdnNrshGMV5zcAcXhN0zgNFkDAeADKXF8PcBepEsxTaxdUkAuZA0xnroRTwJUZ8KiLFy2phZfsXPcqJAws5lB145N4x6RO2UmWP6QRTyH3dCnB7ZDyhpB4aa6gBSMdM/s500/1996-Chevrolet-Corvette-LT4-engine.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="LT4 engine" border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="500" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaIW8pKJEYlYPAAXv2VTpyQUM2h6pGQt7SlHhj-7EKSOtMUpM00Hjy_1E7zdnNrshGMV5zcAcXhN0zgNFkDAeADKXF8PcBepEsxTaxdUkAuZA0xnroRTwJUZ8KiLFy2phZfsXPcqJAws5lB145N4x6RO2UmWP6QRTyH3dCnB7ZDyhpB4aa6gBSMdM/w400-h250/1996-Chevrolet-Corvette-LT4-engine.jpg" title="LT4 engine" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /> </span></span><p></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Some More Upgrades Through The Fourth-Generation Years That Could Be Order Depending On Year And Configuration Were:</span></strong></p><ul style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Engine Oil Cooler Package</span></span></li><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Performance Lubricants Package with synthetic rear axle lube, semi-synthetic power steering fluid, and premium quality synthetic media engine oil filter</span></span></li><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Torsen Limited Slip Differential (includes Performance Lubricants Package)</span></span></li><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">SLP Hurst short throw shifter with H-shift knob</span></span></li><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">American Racing Equipment chrome-plated aluminum wheels</span></span></li><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">LT4 Engine Upgrade (only for ‘97) </span></span></li></ul><div><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></strong></h3><h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">1998 Pontiac Firehawk </span></strong></h3><div><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></strong></div><div><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PN2TB2VDfbhrOZfEJcGNmGVOMZkVx8cXMUNqb3FzYD5IlmAuq7bc3NBV7ewerJAWEp6pzv8FjgldSOovC4mjBrQH_pZaujv-uQAgDgyXL0DaAGIitvqULmQCqoRE-NK7kSfehnP5Xh00Jlcbv61nULF4Xldaxd6QN9ZXQ2w-zfhNZ-ghC6X6l7IA/s1044/s-l1600.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Firehawk" border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1044" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PN2TB2VDfbhrOZfEJcGNmGVOMZkVx8cXMUNqb3FzYD5IlmAuq7bc3NBV7ewerJAWEp6pzv8FjgldSOovC4mjBrQH_pZaujv-uQAgDgyXL0DaAGIitvqULmQCqoRE-NK7kSfehnP5Xh00Jlcbv61nULF4Xldaxd6QN9ZXQ2w-zfhNZ-ghC6X6l7IA/w400-h305/s-l1600.jpg" title="firehawk" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></strong></div><div><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">No Firehawks were made in anticipation of a big entrance for ‘99.</span></div><div><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">1999-2002 Pontiac Firehawk</span></strong></span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6sUfPQuikvUYrRurcimUoG4ZgjdAvzdbNTMr45uzYJqWSvL4gtAZy2_6l6FEHGAlaWHww6NLubWPhboFCcIysHasCzzgU98Yq1HCJJ17oB7vKGNPfEViCce3i1ipBytN0VWux8ZrleoendCHSZGi8jsXDTJ9-SVdue8C-o7A3iJwMSjWu3AvVBEj/s1024/7864107572_de6cda20a3_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img alt="1999 Pontiac Firehwawk" border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="1024" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6sUfPQuikvUYrRurcimUoG4ZgjdAvzdbNTMr45uzYJqWSvL4gtAZy2_6l6FEHGAlaWHww6NLubWPhboFCcIysHasCzzgU98Yq1HCJJ17oB7vKGNPfEViCce3i1ipBytN0VWux8ZrleoendCHSZGi8jsXDTJ9-SVdue8C-o7A3iJwMSjWu3AvVBEj/w400-h272/7864107572_de6cda20a3_b.jpg" title="1999 Pontiac Firehwawk" width="400" /></span></a></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">These generation Pontiac Firehawks would get the brand new Formula/Trans Am bodystyle. Outside of their Firehawk emblems and sometimes different rims, there was one sure way you could tell a Firehawk apart from a Pontiac Formula or Trans Am, and that was the Ram Air Induction. All Firehawks had a distinctive ram air with two solid hood scoops for the induction system, whereas the Formula and Trans Am ordered with the WS6 Ram Air package had a hood that looked like it had four air inlets. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The big changes for the ‘99-’02 Firehawks were the horsepower, a selection of suspension upgrades, and the chance to finally get a Firehawk in a Trans Am trim. Thanks to the success of the LS1 engines, Firehawk Trans Ams were popping up all over the place, and they were mighty feared competitors on the streets. Horsepower changes for those years are as follows: </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: arial; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><ul style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #0e101a; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">1999 - 327 horsepower</span></span></li><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">2000 - 330 horsepower </span></span></li><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">2001 - 335 horsepower</span></span></li><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">2022 - 345 horsepower</span></span> </li></ul><div><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIehvFUms24EroB1RhwPeXGpJtk1Eq7YblYpQqWuDcBE5Y4eD3-DUXea6lKeTP83Niodv_uio7aU8NUIMHbq8lZzDm6wh7QFcyrB5y_xPQuo3-HdByKJ0oIQYR2INJtb_wT16BGuQNf9zo4W_LZ-EhCrrVn-7Igh6xXyqaQtj9w_1W9SKyQijSkJiI/s1024/DSC_0004%20(1024x680).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="99 Pontiac Firehawk Burnt Orange" border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIehvFUms24EroB1RhwPeXGpJtk1Eq7YblYpQqWuDcBE5Y4eD3-DUXea6lKeTP83Niodv_uio7aU8NUIMHbq8lZzDm6wh7QFcyrB5y_xPQuo3-HdByKJ0oIQYR2INJtb_wT16BGuQNf9zo4W_LZ-EhCrrVn-7Igh6xXyqaQtj9w_1W9SKyQijSkJiI/w400-h266/DSC_0004%20(1024x680).jpg" title="99 Pontiac Firehawk Burnt Orange" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">As The F-bodies Fade Away </span></strong></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It was sad to say goodbye to the F-bodies and <a href="https://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2019/11/1989-trans-am-20th-anniversary-stock-v.html" target="_blank">Pontiacs in general</a>. The Chevrolet Camaro came back to life, but it will soon disappear as well. It’s gems like these that need to be preserved, and although it's hard to find a Firehawk for a good price, they are still out there and probably worth the high price tag that car enthusiasts are asking. </span></span></p>Brian Hensley http://www.blogger.com/profile/13992389807220431984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823495275320811710.post-78952067068729402322022-09-19T19:07:00.004-07:002022-12-18T21:36:16.250-08:00NHRA Pro Stock Turbo: Buddy Ingersoll's Buick V6 Pro Stock<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4O3KV_EqEjap2JzVJFeKtqrwThSVmtUEGOSU62Uk_9Q6kDD2SfPjQ9-xGIo8OkGNLhFTeWPHiJvy2Dc38uvwcxoRlO9msSs_BDTMWCL8IMFjU9wqLtp1DT2-K5iINLupcSfFjZmjQ8vM/s720/Buddy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="86 Buick Pro Stock Turbocharged" border="0" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="720" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4O3KV_EqEjap2JzVJFeKtqrwThSVmtUEGOSU62Uk_9Q6kDD2SfPjQ9-xGIo8OkGNLhFTeWPHiJvy2Dc38uvwcxoRlO9msSs_BDTMWCL8IMFjU9wqLtp1DT2-K5iINLupcSfFjZmjQ8vM/w400-h269/Buddy.jpg" title="Buddy Ingersoll" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-align: left;">It was back in 1986 when Buick started to master the turbocharger game. Turbochargers have been around for quite a while before the first 1984 and '85 Buick Grand National and T-Type turbos came out. The '84 and '85 Buick turbos lacked the power that the 1986 and '87 Buick turbos did due to a lack of an intercooler and other things. But even with the success of the two-sedan being faster than all of the <a href="http://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2019/11/1989-trans-am-20th-anniversary-stock-v.html" target="_blank">American sports cars</a> at the time, no one expected to see one compete in a professional Pro Stock class. </span></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></h3><h3><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Read all about the <a href="http://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2019/07/buick-grand-national-first-muscle-car.html" target="_blank">'86 and '87 Grand National success here. </a></span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><h2><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">700+ cu.-in. Pro Stock Engines Racing Against A 286 cu.-in. Buick Engine<br /><br /></span></h2><h3><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nkxr0CPiZGY" width="320" youtube-src-id="nkxr0CPiZGY"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Buddy Ingersoll's Buick V6 Pro Stock</div></span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">This was when the drag racing world started realizing that it is not always all about big blocks and displacement. This race was from 1986, but later the Buick setup would be deemed illegal in the Pro Stock classes. Of course, the reasons for the outlaw were a bunch of smokescreen excuses to hide the absolute truth - old-timers didn't understand it and didn't want to believe a V6 could beat a V8. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br />To me, it sounds much like when Nitrous Oxide exploded on the drag racing scene - if you didn't understand it or you couldn't figure it out, it was easier to just say using NOS was cheating. <br /><br /></span></div><h2><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Early '90s GS Nationals in Kentucky </span></h2><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhi9O2p0pBSf2RWam6BT7apoaBHdMt02mOgC64_QcGETta6hH9UcEsXxNQOXCuK4L3rZ5rKxH3Mky8iLYdzCqVwYuByciss6r5IgoPc1ASToq0p95vaJxE4y2dYjStfiF_YJuUFfYMX0/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1023" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhi9O2p0pBSf2RWam6BT7apoaBHdMt02mOgC64_QcGETta6hH9UcEsXxNQOXCuK4L3rZ5rKxH3Mky8iLYdzCqVwYuByciss6r5IgoPc1ASToq0p95vaJxE4y2dYjStfiF_YJuUFfYMX0/w400-h266/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2019/12/1987-record-breaking-oldsmobile.html" target="_blank">It was in the early '90s</a> when I attended my first Buick GS Nationals at Beech Bend Raceway for a week (a week off school - a week at the drag strip)! That's when I saw the first single turbocharged Grand National break into the sevens (1/4-mile), and when I saw a T-Type in stock trim ride its bumper halfway down the track while still turning in a time of 10: something. That was when my cousin and I, best friends, knew we were watching something the drag racing world wasn't ready for yet. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkA08T1Un8PiQBBfvtv2z7W9Lm5QIucEaXFLJvp9Diz1lVJkIh7gxUUMJ7O1YFkExR5oHNVxR0gtkhVCpAXmH9hGgiBf1v7xgMbMxdMDcfTiiGgM6JhaPJfURFyIk1NGYyuWxnvvy7Og/s712/Buick+wheelie.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Buick Regal T-Type Doing Wheelie" border="0" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="712" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkA08T1Un8PiQBBfvtv2z7W9Lm5QIucEaXFLJvp9Diz1lVJkIh7gxUUMJ7O1YFkExR5oHNVxR0gtkhVCpAXmH9hGgiBf1v7xgMbMxdMDcfTiiGgM6JhaPJfURFyIk1NGYyuWxnvvy7Og/w400-h373/Buick+wheelie.jpg" title="'87 Buick T-type" width="400" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Slowly but surely, the drag racing world caught up, and now you'd be hard-pressed to see a drag car that isn't racing in a highly regulated class that doesn't have at least one turbo under the hood or another kind of power adder. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8La7AQsDDgNgz2vdq85Qf7GgDMub_oSpbZXaDcY8VslMsoLNL05Mi-eJMC1aSXGTkvjscR2X__47nprRBJlDx_BLipVM4qFPRvWt6D9VKjp5Ceq4_ZH-N2a0Cy-f6keLmWiMpdaQ9Mw/s384/beech+bend.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Beech Bend Raceway" border="0" data-original-height="131" data-original-width="384" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8La7AQsDDgNgz2vdq85Qf7GgDMub_oSpbZXaDcY8VslMsoLNL05Mi-eJMC1aSXGTkvjscR2X__47nprRBJlDx_BLipVM4qFPRvWt6D9VKjp5Ceq4_ZH-N2a0Cy-f6keLmWiMpdaQ9Mw/w400-h136/beech+bend.jpg" title="Buick Grand Nationals" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b><br />The lineup to get into the GS Nationals—all Buicks—and the track entrance is quite a ways away. </b></span></div><div><p></p><div><br /></div><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p></div>Brian Hensley http://www.blogger.com/profile/13992389807220431984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823495275320811710.post-33307529258486187302022-08-20T23:56:00.001-07:002022-12-08T11:10:22.535-08:002001 Corvette Z06: The First Modern Day Z06<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgL1B9UPUbJO9uEbZdzK1D17I2BjZvGYrIPu66xpIJBjqiankYfFBdPGL8lIDJS9_Rqsdtr74TD0-ZHScuhzoLIMhwdxRtxaozmh6ZZ3FWtN70assF6wQFZRTkfX5UTI_Pi8Gi1A16qsME6_EpwlZf5nUthqyII4bWR4phP_ZxrVOmUIOp-Uv7MX8f_=s400" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2002 Corvette Z06" border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="400" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgL1B9UPUbJO9uEbZdzK1D17I2BjZvGYrIPu66xpIJBjqiankYfFBdPGL8lIDJS9_Rqsdtr74TD0-ZHScuhzoLIMhwdxRtxaozmh6ZZ3FWtN70assF6wQFZRTkfX5UTI_Pi8Gi1A16qsME6_EpwlZf5nUthqyII4bWR4phP_ZxrVOmUIOp-Uv7MX8f_=w400-h210" title="Corvette" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Unless you've been living under a rock, you know about the extremely potent 2023 Corvette Z06 that is on its way to the market sometime in late 2022. If you want to read about that, just look up any automotive website on the web and you can find out everything you know or you can go to this ride-along video/article with top engineers on the project, written by me for </span><a href="https://www.musclecarsandtrucks.com/2023-corvette-z06-ridealong-video-engineers-aaron-link-alex-mcdonald/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;">Muscle Cars & Trucks (</span></a></span><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://www.musclecarsandtrucks.com/2023-corvette-z06-ridealong-video-engineers-aaron-link-alex-mcdonald/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">C8 Corvette Z06 Engineers Share Untold Details On New Supercar: Video.</span></a></span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGYk9jxB2MPXyXTlIqhDoBNnjdOhmYPLpx3Nws7xwxVuVVVt6Xhj94_bABosQzM6PImomPVls8z7OWBUriz44zWpcRCyE7hQJbfpkacV5N2k0YAQp_dH4rwbsakIVYPql9bdUv8ZJqAHGQr05aPvuI3hfpW70UN5lBS211Uyh0q4ahGARTMc44Og6G=s398" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1963 Corvette Z06" border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="398" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGYk9jxB2MPXyXTlIqhDoBNnjdOhmYPLpx3Nws7xwxVuVVVt6Xhj94_bABosQzM6PImomPVls8z7OWBUriz44zWpcRCyE7hQJbfpkacV5N2k0YAQp_dH4rwbsakIVYPql9bdUv8ZJqAHGQr05aPvuI3hfpW70UN5lBS211Uyh0q4ahGARTMc44Og6G=w400-h268" title="Corvette" width="400" /></a></div><br /><h3><span style="font-size: x-large;">1963 Corvette Z06</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Since we all should know everything about the new Corvette Z06, I decided that we should take a look back at the birth of the first modern Corvette Z06. </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">But first, let's take a short look at the birth of the very first Z06. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The first Z06 became available in 1963 and there were only 199 produced and sold. These Corvette Z06's sole purpose was to be sold for road course racing. They came with a 327 cu.in. (5.4-liter) engine, four-speed transmission, a beefed-up suspension, a massive brake system upgrade that included dual master cylinders, and an optional </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">36.5 US gal (138 l; 30 imp gal) tank.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The thing about these C2 Corvette Z06s was you didn't just go to the dealership and buy one, you had to know someone who knew what boxes to check in the order form if you wanted one of these race-ready (RPO Z06) Corvettes, and just like the 2001 Corvette Z06, you didn't get many luxuries with the car, it was truly for going fast. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_ku-HCyyXYRxYpNGepcAKILk0w9rw2ot63svr4dLa4aKALzP9TMi1VsICr2lpgdCw9KBRtEl0msvAgZfqzdbEWvrNeKcOxLSjSQB6esimgAMURMURhvpwNowu-sGluSpoyqffhBW4oc4H8clg2BCxd8rZ0HRWnRVupaDKVTzzzzU2U1AzBbixtA6R=s832" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2001 Corvette Z06" border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="832" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_ku-HCyyXYRxYpNGepcAKILk0w9rw2ot63svr4dLa4aKALzP9TMi1VsICr2lpgdCw9KBRtEl0msvAgZfqzdbEWvrNeKcOxLSjSQB6esimgAMURMURhvpwNowu-sGluSpoyqffhBW4oc4H8clg2BCxd8rZ0HRWnRVupaDKVTzzzzU2U1AzBbixtA6R=w400-h225" title="First Corvette Z06 for 2000s" width="400" /></a></span></div><p><br /></p><h3><span style="font-size: x-large;">2021 Corvette Z06</span></h3><p style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15140157/2001-chevrolet-corvette-z06-review/" target="_blank">This Corvette was built</a> to surprise and dominate the market. The Z06 was designed for the track and pushed the boundaries of what was really possible from a production car that could drive to the track, make better times than its competition, and drive back home with the air conditioning kicking and the radio blasting. </span></span></p><p style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>Basic Spec:</b></span></span></p><p></p><p></p><ul><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>5.7-liter LS6 V8</b></span></span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>6-speed manual</b></span></span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>385 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque</b></span></span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>New FE4 Suspension (four-wheel independent suspension)</b></span></span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>Bose speaker system</b></span></span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>Leather bucket seats</b></span></span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>17" front and 18” rear rims wrapped in Goodyear Eagle F1 SC tires</b></span></span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>Hardtop only</b></span></span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>Brake coolers</b></span></span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>Curb weight: 3,118 lbs.</b></span></span></li></ul><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><ul style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>Gas Mileage: 17 city / 26 highway</b></span></span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9_Y3mN0a7eY4Gq70cV6ZsTxHArVTYUdgFWwIizbvoM7WSIuflVRJzaEQuqfroZwo7PFoK-mYmI0twXwoWmutMA44lr__xaaeoi3iJuTGwLA21tF3Zn17YbpdbZawU-kfvGy3yuPJKbD2748LndP13SLS0-6vWDvrMjiJByowfqNWEzjgk5LZgkvtU=s400" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Z06 Engine Corvette" border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9_Y3mN0a7eY4Gq70cV6ZsTxHArVTYUdgFWwIizbvoM7WSIuflVRJzaEQuqfroZwo7PFoK-mYmI0twXwoWmutMA44lr__xaaeoi3iJuTGwLA21tF3Zn17YbpdbZawU-kfvGy3yuPJKbD2748LndP13SLS0-6vWDvrMjiJByowfqNWEzjgk5LZgkvtU=w400-h225" title="Corvette" width="400" /></a></div><br /></span></span><h3><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Engine And Transmission</span></span></h3><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The LS6 is essentially a more powerful version of Corvette's LS1 V8. The LS6 engine upgrades start with a redesigned intake manifold with better flowing internal passageways. Reengineered cylinder heads create more flow through the intake and exhaust valves, and the combustion chambers were redesigned to reduce valve shrouding. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">All these upgrades led to a higher compression ratio which then led to a redesigned thin-walled cast-iron exhaust manifold system to provide a smoother exit for the combustion escape. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Of course, all this extra flow wouldn’t be worth much without a redesigned camshaft. So a beefier cam was installed by Corvette engineers </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">with more valve overlap and greater valve lift. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Chrome-vanadium-steel valve springs and stronger pistons cast from a more durable alloy were implicated in the engine’s design for toughness. And finally, the LS6 was engineered with windows cast into the internal crankcase walls to help air retreat from the underside of the burning hot pistons.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This new engine setup gave the New Corvette Z06 385 horsepower at 6,000 RPMs and 385 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 RPMs, and a redline RPM of 6,500. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In between all the power and the rear wheels was a </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">beefed-up clutch (with lighter pedal effort), a larger-diameter driveshaft, and a revised six-speed manual transaxle. This new M12 gearbox was introduced with shooter 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears to better utilize the new higher-revving LS6. All gears were 10-16 percent shorter except for the 4th gear which remained the same. </span></span></p></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSYq4Xco18VdduugrtBGfdtcZWsc0twKRfxpQbRpAkvw1Dz6kxDuaOM6p_tG9XVsJI_QqOMINpq62ts4W_hfo9ipGa-EApA-bK4DIQdYu7I1NYFRzb04zcP-7q3RiZekcwTClBYFi8tDAS4m0uwPRLoUk1XDVQTAhGSQvsawcKvKqerstsLAOSICnz=s400" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Corvette Suspension" border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="400" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSYq4Xco18VdduugrtBGfdtcZWsc0twKRfxpQbRpAkvw1Dz6kxDuaOM6p_tG9XVsJI_QqOMINpq62ts4W_hfo9ipGa-EApA-bK4DIQdYu7I1NYFRzb04zcP-7q3RiZekcwTClBYFi8tDAS4m0uwPRLoUk1XDVQTAhGSQvsawcKvKqerstsLAOSICnz=w400-h266" title="Corvette" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><h3 style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">2001 Corvette Z06 Suspension </span></span></span></h3><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">More power always means more changes all around. To accommodate the power of the LS6, Corvette went with a new FE4 suspension that included revised shock calibrations, a stiffer rear transverse leaf spring setup, and stiffer anti-roll bars for the front and rear.</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">To add ground support, each corner of the Vette receives 1-inch wider tires, bringing them up to 9.5-inch wide in the front and 10.5-inch wide in the back. New custom light-weight 10-spoke wheels were wrapped in Goodyear F1 Eagle tires: 265/40ZR-17s in the front and 295/35ZR-18s rears. The F1 Eagle SC tires were designed with more flexible sidewalls </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">achieved by doing away with the famous run-flat tire design.</span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"> This permitted a half-degree more negative camber to keep the tread flatter during hard cornering for track use. </span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To prove the Corvette was built for business, engineers found places around the car where they could shave pounds off the curb weight. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Helping save weight was the deletion of the run-flat tire design, mufflers were made from Titanium, and the windshield and rear glass were all lightened to help bring the Corvette’s curb weight down to 3,118 pounds, that's 38 pounds lighter than its original form. A lot of weight was saved in the Titanium mufflers alone, but the weight of the new suspension offset the weight-saving by a lot.</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCeV_uCSsbGtGpoEwRdDHol-01yQmJipLdUhIe7QZicVbzdBoBFYT0cj53UJddxTO8e4n8v0U5RoLq2l3fr3WFtxzFhViWj8jt2-P1s-Eu7RaRoUOQ9cNR5kX-GkzuhtXl9bOMus7pz0HiwbEH5t_MZKvIv2jfD77JYlmZxSCUUBOEcYSvRvTOtLXL=s400" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2001 Cobra R" border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCeV_uCSsbGtGpoEwRdDHol-01yQmJipLdUhIe7QZicVbzdBoBFYT0cj53UJddxTO8e4n8v0U5RoLq2l3fr3WFtxzFhViWj8jt2-P1s-Eu7RaRoUOQ9cNR5kX-GkzuhtXl9bOMus7pz0HiwbEH5t_MZKvIv2jfD77JYlmZxSCUUBOEcYSvRvTOtLXL=w400-h225" title="Mustang" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><h3 style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Step Aside Cobra R</span></span></span></h3><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Cobra R was making some big waves at the track. Performance numbers were pretty impressive, and the Corvette Z06 was Chevrolet's answer to those performance numbers. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Cobra R and the Z06 were pretty close in performance numbers at the time (<i>numbers for Z06 below</i>). The Cobra R turned numbers out of its 5.4-liter that looked a little like this: 385 horsepower and 385 lb.-ft. of torque (the same as the Z06), 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds, a quarter-mile time of 13.2 (Ford tested) and 12.9 (Motor Trend tested) with a top speed of 170-mph, and stops from 60-0 in 127-feet. </span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Although the numbers were somewhat close, the Corvette beat out the Cobra R in other places. The Cobra R lacked</span></span><span face="SuisseIntl, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">air conditioning, an audio system, rear seats, sound dampening, and cruise control.</span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The Corvette also lacked a back seat, but that's because it was never meant to have one, it wasn't a compromise. Also, because of the limited number of Cobra Rs that were built, the sticker price showed $55,5ish, but you couldn't buy one for under $75,000. The Corvette Z06 stuck pretty close to its price tag of just under $50,000 without a lot of limited edition inflation. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEqtsj81YtGXARJDpGzOYCCwvnzY21KIqkTPLozZelkNZXsRidBwfpdIlVBQEEMT9MfeE3b2NsbA5LDisoHzU4vkh0En3LiwMsSqSlUwZ5rL71I0JHzLtKgCUafVP9a1SIpg-JI9QNosAx_vD4WdK8P_iQ7VJVa045i2JBvJ5QNShBclx77XM9Qldm=s400" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2001 Corvette Z06" border="0" data-original-height="109" data-original-width="400" height="109" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEqtsj81YtGXARJDpGzOYCCwvnzY21KIqkTPLozZelkNZXsRidBwfpdIlVBQEEMT9MfeE3b2NsbA5LDisoHzU4vkh0En3LiwMsSqSlUwZ5rL71I0JHzLtKgCUafVP9a1SIpg-JI9QNosAx_vD4WdK8P_iQ7VJVa045i2JBvJ5QNShBclx77XM9Qldm=w400-h109" title="Corvette" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><h3 style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Let's Go Over Some 2001 Corvette Z06 Numbers </span></h3><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; white-space: normal;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-f571cfa5-7fff-27e6-94c5-07d1a50e9d3b"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The 2001 Corvette Z06's proof of superiority is in the numbers. A 0-60-mph time is recorded at 4.3 seconds, and a 70-mph to 0 stop takes only 152-feet. In a quarter-mile sprint, the Corvette can cover it in 12.7 seconds at 113-mph. Hitting a 150-mph will only take you 28 seconds total, while a top speed of 170-mph is easily manageable. Although the top speed does suffer a little bit as the C5 Vettes will hit 175-mph, but that's because of the Z06 closer transmission clutch gear ratios. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Hitting corners is another place where the Corvette Z06 shows no mercy to its competitors. Pulling .98 Gs in and out of corners is just what this sports car does, and that actually beats out all other sports cars out of there including the Viper GTS and the Ferrari 360 Modena, which are above the Corvette Z06s price bracket by a lot. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPLR7mxt-uenN4c95hqBj3vZZ_u_nJYoqLnoge02W6PDRZ9wC_5V3E-Cxij-Kx6Y1ut5bYQkjMRQrEelhyRUhZ4Wc3F0OJmpdy042bjvV0V2_qDryakxEXfQiObclHKQNXSvyvYhQOfGxWJTIBva7qGFPb6ZVDHdTN7rV6uh5VHWBUACOvccPUdodU=s400" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Racing Z06 Corvette" border="0" data-original-height="348" data-original-width="400" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPLR7mxt-uenN4c95hqBj3vZZ_u_nJYoqLnoge02W6PDRZ9wC_5V3E-Cxij-Kx6Y1ut5bYQkjMRQrEelhyRUhZ4Wc3F0OJmpdy042bjvV0V2_qDryakxEXfQiObclHKQNXSvyvYhQOfGxWJTIBva7qGFPb6ZVDHdTN7rV6uh5VHWBUACOvccPUdodU=w400-h348" title="Corvette" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><h3 style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Z06 Performance Built</span></span></h3><p style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Making sure everything was performance built was what this Corvette was all about, even both the dual mesh grilles in the front and the rear brake coolers in front of the rear wheel wells are completely functional. </span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The 2001 Corvette Z06 is just like the new Z06s, although classified as a sports car, they perform like a supercar compared to their competition. </span></span></p><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div></span></div></span></span></div>Brian Hensley http://www.blogger.com/profile/13992389807220431984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823495275320811710.post-9160285189195200422022-07-03T07:06:00.000-07:002022-07-03T07:06:31.565-07:00Modern Muscle Car: 94-96 Chevrolet Impala SS<p> </p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiv2fA4Gjk6GNoVlLdlVaAUyTUoFRoOnzPEkYE_Gn3lxbH3_PQnvKjR4u7gmNyyKr7fZWoCa-AL8yVDzdORAOso0fcdra575YJ5tHp9TnkOD38yWtNPQU2T5efHjOMiQMymFeEe1a_Uzt7Rs6xnsvfDulmIDQGGzx2AvCNrlhlTcxizCZtoyl_5i2Vd=s1664" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="96 Chevy Impala SS" border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1664" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiv2fA4Gjk6GNoVlLdlVaAUyTUoFRoOnzPEkYE_Gn3lxbH3_PQnvKjR4u7gmNyyKr7fZWoCa-AL8yVDzdORAOso0fcdra575YJ5tHp9TnkOD38yWtNPQU2T5efHjOMiQMymFeEe1a_Uzt7Rs6xnsvfDulmIDQGGzx2AvCNrlhlTcxizCZtoyl_5i2Vd=w400-h225" title="95 Chevrolet Impala SS" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span id="docs-internal-guid-c152d30c-7fff-661c-eb42-f4f02cd845c8"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">These beautiful </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/7823495275320811710/5341051091174610782#" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">94-96 Chevrolet Impala SS</span></a><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> sport sedans were not in production long, but they did make a big impact in the Chevy lineup for a couple of years. What made this Caprice in disguise such a success was a </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/7823495275320811710/5341051091174610782#" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Corvette 5.7-liter LT1 V8 engine</span></a><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> added in with a few other upgrades. </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4fY1dbdCXThzRtC4hljGI4CV9uf89wm7o26KX7eIpD1GLK0GsskJWVWmcL5kUsCfmYnmMK1rJ64iFcBz7dDAKyjyZ33US26COAbJVQqNNmWb5jSPI8JQRhrsDGh6Sn1zRUIyXJiwWrKdGFmJya3MAXWq4peqLDT-pYNSUgDLVPUHsz1J5FeHzb5MQ=s1024" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="94-96 Impala SS" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4fY1dbdCXThzRtC4hljGI4CV9uf89wm7o26KX7eIpD1GLK0GsskJWVWmcL5kUsCfmYnmMK1rJ64iFcBz7dDAKyjyZ33US26COAbJVQqNNmWb5jSPI8JQRhrsDGh6Sn1zRUIyXJiwWrKdGFmJya3MAXWq4peqLDT-pYNSUgDLVPUHsz1J5FeHzb5MQ=w400-h266" title="Impala SS LT1 engine bay" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>260 Horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of Torque</b></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>4l60e Automatic Transmission</b></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>3.08 Tall Rear Gear with a Limited Slip Differential</b></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>Lowered Heavy Duty Suspension from the Caprice Police Car Package</b></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>Performance-Oriented Shocks w/Semi-Stiff Anti-Roll Bars</b></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>12-Inch Vented Disc Brakes</b></span></li><li><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">0-60 in 7.0 Seconds and 15.0 Second 1/4 Mile Time @ 92-MPH Give or Take</span> </b></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Now, of course, that doesn't sound like much today, with V6 SUVs outperforming the big-bodied vehicle. But this 4,220-pound beast was considered pretty fast for its size 26 years ago. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The funny thing is the decision to go with the Caprice LT1 Impala combo came about because the original Caprice 4.6-liter engine was having a hard time making emission standards. The LT1 engine that was placed in the Corvette, Camaro, and Pontiac sports cars were doing fine passing emissions and smog regulations, and that's why it got the duties of lugging the Impala SS around. </span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><h4><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Potential For More Power </span></h4><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Dropping the 4.6-liter and moving to the LT1 made the Impala SS even more like a muscle car. Since there was not a lot you could do in terms of upgrades to the 4.6-liter, the dud you got in the 93 and older Caprice, was the dud you got. The LT1 on the other hand offered plenty of room for upgrades. If you could get the upgrade for a Corvette, Camaro, Firebird, or Trans Am, chances are you could get it for the Impala. This opened up the door for easy upgrades from cold air induction and computer programmers to cam, heads, and nitrous. I'd go over all the upgrade options, but I figure you could use your imagination here.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h4><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Four-Door Competition</span></h4><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It was definitely faster than its American four-door competitors i.e. the Ford Taurus SHO and the Pontiac Bonneville SSEi. Moreover, it was $65,800+ cheaper than the Mercedes-Benz S500 and could accelerate faster, handle better, and match the Benz in braking abilities, all while sounding like true <b>American Muscle</b>. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMz_AsxjlapU7n8D9TEcrCxRj7YGbZzFZxxQGbjL362QuDgO_OVvaoZDzInzcqNSG6hb4scJ0O0csDPCX4IMzT7AtHRbGVqCg9q-Hjf1cvN98hyckYp1GRzKQpuyLn0dy0cmJ-pPETf7kBW0nsiA7bF2B786mPeAmyuD9FzPoX1kMwpKAJA0USbLS_=s1612" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Impala SS front seats" border="0" data-original-height="1123" data-original-width="1612" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMz_AsxjlapU7n8D9TEcrCxRj7YGbZzFZxxQGbjL362QuDgO_OVvaoZDzInzcqNSG6hb4scJ0O0csDPCX4IMzT7AtHRbGVqCg9q-Hjf1cvN98hyckYp1GRzKQpuyLn0dy0cmJ-pPETf7kBW0nsiA7bF2B786mPeAmyuD9FzPoX1kMwpKAJA0USbLS_=w400-h279" title="Impala SS interior" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><br /></div><h4><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">What The Impala SS Had Its Sports Car Companions Didn't </span></h4><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">That's easy, front bucket seats that made you feel like you were sitting on a sofa, a back seat where people even 6-feet tall and hefty could sit in comfortably, and a trunk you could neatly place a dead body in. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRYLykvlvEkyBn-w70bfVWQaKXsLUiccvZva1IHMhXKt3eeUc4jgnAwT9F6WK7uR3ki2HfFy7_G1i3VDtvzBE4yLUxgVmvygjhT7won3UFyeN1GcBrpk4IjzGnh3Xt2l2pGbF8R9K8sej8n6cg73Qtfs-5IjuuXH1FYUthz5OZHR4kcL4GPCfvijtg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Impala SS rear seats" border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRYLykvlvEkyBn-w70bfVWQaKXsLUiccvZva1IHMhXKt3eeUc4jgnAwT9F6WK7uR3ki2HfFy7_G1i3VDtvzBE4yLUxgVmvygjhT7won3UFyeN1GcBrpk4IjzGnh3Xt2l2pGbF8R9K8sej8n6cg73Qtfs-5IjuuXH1FYUthz5OZHR4kcL4GPCfvijtg=w400-h225" title="Impala SS" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The Impala's colors were limited. In 1994, you were only able to get one in Black, but '95 and 96-year models brought about a dark Cherry Red and a dark Green color. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFWiSEW2jQFFkkhLdcLdadTIHpDCXggB39xMmX75dkho0Sh52h3-3mV-anLHO63FBR4LKeOiZkcVSScHT2oKaUCyOC5mpeqvtLwV_SIAkFIp4F9gk20vL7v9b_Kfbfphx0ozZaIH_XT64wT_gmx0Ec_OCR7zTYYdg3YBwz3CBnqho_LMHXoXBuPJS4=s1920" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Impala SS" border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFWiSEW2jQFFkkhLdcLdadTIHpDCXggB39xMmX75dkho0Sh52h3-3mV-anLHO63FBR4LKeOiZkcVSScHT2oKaUCyOC5mpeqvtLwV_SIAkFIp4F9gk20vL7v9b_Kfbfphx0ozZaIH_XT64wT_gmx0Ec_OCR7zTYYdg3YBwz3CBnqho_LMHXoXBuPJS4=w400-h266" title="Impala SS" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPVqs4t4Z5xmBqLvqLQtFNgY2i6BbDKCd_vqwUjMm8qJBTFZ7HZ1z-e0BAWN4G_u552ahmjBSfdbPqjCb8P-gHaEb_4wykwCAOUSBRoIna6VoyN3h6ErNNyrQiJTFDyOPDxdH240ISVz5NppFBc5rSBSNe6cY3X49Akz_ioyJGbrTQ0jEMI2uWHzgw=s1000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="95-96 Impala SS" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPVqs4t4Z5xmBqLvqLQtFNgY2i6BbDKCd_vqwUjMm8qJBTFZ7HZ1z-e0BAWN4G_u552ahmjBSfdbPqjCb8P-gHaEb_4wykwCAOUSBRoIna6VoyN3h6ErNNyrQiJTFDyOPDxdH240ISVz5NppFBc5rSBSNe6cY3X49Akz_ioyJGbrTQ0jEMI2uWHzgw=w400-h300" title="95-95 Impala SS" width="400" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTCSRWvtafCLpsBOQqc-bQgLgwOn7rw13a6gO0rF2BdNlEOIFtomZmQA8rfjlCl0IIhweKbV0GFvSLonTfVglTFYMpuDSpILhqfWAaSy8djNQlzebzOwFIbLM1xM4VyaJB4f5HScKKmkTfZGotDPxKzcrKmj9uuCarFjvSfjgz2ncz0J3eB0rRRgXf=s1664" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dark Green Impala SS" border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1664" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTCSRWvtafCLpsBOQqc-bQgLgwOn7rw13a6gO0rF2BdNlEOIFtomZmQA8rfjlCl0IIhweKbV0GFvSLonTfVglTFYMpuDSpILhqfWAaSy8djNQlzebzOwFIbLM1xM4VyaJB4f5HScKKmkTfZGotDPxKzcrKmj9uuCarFjvSfjgz2ncz0J3eB0rRRgXf=w400-h225" title="Impala SS" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">There were also a few other differences about the 1994 Impala SS. There was a digital dashboard with no tachometer and a column shifter. When <a href="http://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2021/12/57-chevy-one-of-most-influential-and.html" target="_blank">Chevrolet</a> noticed the consumer's want for this vehicle in the muscle car <span id="docs-internal-guid-96e847e2-7fff-82d5-61a1-952d456d1847"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">capacity</span></span>, they added in an analog dashboard with a tach and a floor shifter to add to the muscle car feel. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnMn5jNNCatKvyY6fdNcthD6g5XyHYIx3907CFPgu4aLEc9Y2t8PM1r8iZEP3MC_Zutv7VTzwlbf5moLjcVqb8Oz3jVjoH1h48ZvarxU0A81sfR5B33eley4cOKWFzRj-adCSQL-ZZsWPpkiOj1ISc_6Wjt5vBQe9SFSE-k8lHzyZIqkt9fNKKKg4S=s542" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="94 Chevrolet Impala SS" border="0" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="542" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnMn5jNNCatKvyY6fdNcthD6g5XyHYIx3907CFPgu4aLEc9Y2t8PM1r8iZEP3MC_Zutv7VTzwlbf5moLjcVqb8Oz3jVjoH1h48ZvarxU0A81sfR5B33eley4cOKWFzRj-adCSQL-ZZsWPpkiOj1ISc_6Wjt5vBQe9SFSE-k8lHzyZIqkt9fNKKKg4S=w400-h300" title="Impala SS" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4YghsYDW3cYgr6Nbx6aVarr3ROAxA2QAh_G4CZxeTUTwND7qWSnKTQY5_rr5JHcmVfQzQ-I3S889KQvgIOanFqsjS1YJr11vwAfptrkyqRBlK7kldBfT3_o3AVNaYiZrTHurNczxs_P1utCsiL8rl5KYpkOIbZMspuLIWeTHd8EgptEw-ZgiU7rfO=s1920" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="95-96 Impala SS" border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4YghsYDW3cYgr6Nbx6aVarr3ROAxA2QAh_G4CZxeTUTwND7qWSnKTQY5_rr5JHcmVfQzQ-I3S889KQvgIOanFqsjS1YJr11vwAfptrkyqRBlK7kldBfT3_o3AVNaYiZrTHurNczxs_P1utCsiL8rl5KYpkOIbZMspuLIWeTHd8EgptEw-ZgiU7rfO=w400-h266" title="Impala SS" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">For all three years, the exterior sported special 17-inch 5-spoke rims wrapped up in large 255/50R-17 tires, a nice-sounding dual exhaust system was added with a rear spoiler, and deleted Caprice chrome. The stance, the sound, the power, and the name of it alone, Impala SS, made this disguised Caprice no longer a car you would expect a 90-year-old church-going lady to drive. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCNp--3_U2QAb6w-zmTWtrlIMUlj9h7LWHXZ3V4azgOEOccrKHrcflMRqNxxB79XNAbPjTA44cL6rqw2x9JNcmVgUQ-XoGgzmcG0iQqZsfpTwBDYCaH8lWYOO-fCpiEtYt6nWIvMt1ZpAl8HWL-_AExsIL537mr9yTWvugb2s5R4pDD0LvX0IiVILV=s900" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Driving Impala SS" border="0" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="900" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCNp--3_U2QAb6w-zmTWtrlIMUlj9h7LWHXZ3V4azgOEOccrKHrcflMRqNxxB79XNAbPjTA44cL6rqw2x9JNcmVgUQ-XoGgzmcG0iQqZsfpTwBDYCaH8lWYOO-fCpiEtYt6nWIvMt1ZpAl8HWL-_AExsIL537mr9yTWvugb2s5R4pDD0LvX0IiVILV=w400-h204" title="94-96 Impala SS" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h4><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Taking One For A Ride</span></h4><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I've taken a few for a ride here and there working at a dealership. They're not that fast, but one thing they are is a little surprising. You just don't think a 94-96 Caprice with special SS Impala badges is going to offer you so much.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The Impala gives you more than enough throttle response to get the big, long sedan in the passing zone and go. It also gives you plenty of comforts, from the leg and headroom to the soft suspension that performs well but still gives you a ride that reminds you of your grandpa's unmolested Lincoln. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">And no, there is no media center, cell phone connectivity, or sophisticated driver assist safety functions that allows you to disregard paying attention to the road. These <a href="https://www.motortrend.com/news/hrdp-1209-94-96-chevrolet-impala-ss-guide/" target="_blank">Impala SS big-bodies</a> are true cruising cars. A car that you can shine up, hit the road, listen to the muffles humm, and get a few looks of envy from drivers in their cookie-cutter trucks and crossovers. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg18K0d78ALTXEdrtjtFZJoo3qoH26suGQFnJ6HA6U5n-wCg05WPah7U-LuIuEGsfbY5kG6fMJhoIKRByaUwxcxmC43yIHoxOAwxb8b0mHsvfdb3kdti8ag_uLQE00_Qwh2NuWWCcqY9jvQUayGMOYOyiGECeElbTCf5V7otvm3B6taKz3UdZfOIhfY=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="94-96 Impala SS for Sales" border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg18K0d78ALTXEdrtjtFZJoo3qoH26suGQFnJ6HA6U5n-wCg05WPah7U-LuIuEGsfbY5kG6fMJhoIKRByaUwxcxmC43yIHoxOAwxb8b0mHsvfdb3kdti8ag_uLQE00_Qwh2NuWWCcqY9jvQUayGMOYOyiGECeElbTCf5V7otvm3B6taKz3UdZfOIhfY=w400-h300" title="Chevy Impala for Sales" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Purchasing A 94-96 Impala SS </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">With 69,758 Impala SS sports sedans produced between 94-96, they are not the rarest cars in the world. But a lot of them are stored away in garages as their value goes up. If you're looking to purchase one of these modern Impala SS muscle cars, your best option is to look out for one that has low miles and has little to no upgrades. Some of these cars have been <a href="http://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2016/03/2016-autorama-exits-of-some-of-most.html" target="_blank">heavily modified</a>, and some have been around the block a time or two. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEio0WFEd_Wakb4uvmF60PYHLC2zt4tJvpARIQpxgjpboR0RBhR3uEHlqdSluv78oyipVoR6qIo-TTIhWhLP8X4NWglmnm7FjGLpgGDiZ-oZZkj8JfTaUS5GelRKrNyzy3WK8uE4ilobghuT7EWply6Y9dit77P6wL-Mj_Cm9P2HT9e3u1tvw12j56ea=s480" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="SS Impala at the track" border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEio0WFEd_Wakb4uvmF60PYHLC2zt4tJvpARIQpxgjpboR0RBhR3uEHlqdSluv78oyipVoR6qIo-TTIhWhLP8X4NWglmnm7FjGLpgGDiZ-oZZkj8JfTaUS5GelRKrNyzy3WK8uE4ilobghuT7EWply6Y9dit77P6wL-Mj_Cm9P2HT9e3u1tvw12j56ea=w400-h300" title="94-95 Impala SS racing" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Look for rust in the usual places, signs of years of abuse, aftermarket hacked stereo systems and suspension components, and beat-up interiors. Some of these cars may still have potential, but it would depend on how much money you want to put into them. There are still plenty of good ones out there that have been well-taken care of and can offer you a fun and <a href="http://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2021/08/1970-72-corvette-zr-1-rarest-small.html" target="_blank">cool multi-purpose <b>Hot Rod!</b></a> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Brian Hensley http://www.blogger.com/profile/13992389807220431984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823495275320811710.post-58823416780482765922022-05-12T20:20:00.006-07:002022-05-14T18:14:36.344-07:001969 Corvette "AstroVette" Stingray Apollo-Themed<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX82GmyAcA9jwfEHJHgzsCxjEt63-5tGsb7lJC3kdXhA4xJ5EGVSYz29dIBggxg3VYucHYWMPb8BQL4QXnrjIQ7uvkNKJ9X8pDSUas8tQJwXZQgwHRb-KCRZhUheWIXu9hmtKlfmgxX0yveLlP9HAlwmtxxvPpUo8mQrzNG0mSEpqxT3IIzWXeA7gP/s399/black%20and%20gold%20Corvette.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1969 Corvette Stingray AstroVette" border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="399" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX82GmyAcA9jwfEHJHgzsCxjEt63-5tGsb7lJC3kdXhA4xJ5EGVSYz29dIBggxg3VYucHYWMPb8BQL4QXnrjIQ7uvkNKJ9X8pDSUas8tQJwXZQgwHRb-KCRZhUheWIXu9hmtKlfmgxX0yveLlP9HAlwmtxxvPpUo8mQrzNG0mSEpqxT3IIzWXeA7gP/w400-h297/black%20and%20gold%20Corvette.jpg" title="1969 Corvette AstroVette Stingray" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">This Corvette you're looking at was built specifically for the <a href="http://www.gyronautx1.com/live-updates/the-gyronaut-plans-to-go-to-the-moon-rip-neil-armstrong" target="_blank">Astronaut Alan L. Bean</a>. There were only two others made just like this for two other Astronauts, Richard Gordan Jr. and Charles "Pete" Conrad Jr. All three men were shipped into orbit on the Apollo 12 Mission in the second Lunar Module to land on the Moon. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">NASA and General Motors</span></span></h3><div><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">In the '60s and early '70s, NASA astronauts were like rock stars in America. Reaching the Moon before Russia was something America did that helped bring a divided country together after the controversial Vietnam War. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">GM president, Ed Cole, saw the potential of linking the NASA program to the GM brand for product growth. GM already gave astronaut Alan Shepard, the very first man to break his way into space, a new white 1962 Corvette with a custom space-age interior<span face="-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px; white-space: normal;">—</span>and had also done business with astronaut legends like Niel Armstrong and high-performance enthusiast, Gus Grissom. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEqnCtv8APg51dQ77nhEu7859agvunYqqb1jRozV547uAmAWG3zuhx0_ZVir0CWPZl_0BogJ_71sOM4j8Y-gcNIuLPPavro4B0dkWJafBYlXixyMomxwUktF2L9rhBXPFwUG19rn7gRAIdy9fFbaKtpYm7dvdommK3G9Pr-HpcDaXSPuO9OIo8X-Ki/s400/1962%20Corvette%20Alan%20Shperards.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1962 Corvette" border="0" data-original-height="278" data-original-width="400" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEqnCtv8APg51dQ77nhEu7859agvunYqqb1jRozV547uAmAWG3zuhx0_ZVir0CWPZl_0BogJ_71sOM4j8Y-gcNIuLPPavro4B0dkWJafBYlXixyMomxwUktF2L9rhBXPFwUG19rn7gRAIdy9fFbaKtpYm7dvdommK3G9Pr-HpcDaXSPuO9OIo8X-Ki/w400-h278/1962%20Corvette%20Alan%20Shperards.jpg" title="1962 Corvette" width="400" /></a></div><br /> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: normal;">Of course, it's hard to imagine GM giving away <a href="http://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2021/08/1970-72-corvette-zr-1-rarest-small.html">Corvettes</a>, but Cole's decision to do so, according to his widow, Dollie (Chairman of the National Corvette Museum and Vice Chairman of the National Air & Space Museum), made sense to Cole. "The astronauts were incredibly visible," she says. "And good publicity is good publicity." But putting astronauts in Corvettes wasn't just for publicity. "Who more worthy than guys who represent our country?" says Dollie. "They were literally risking their lives. Space travel today isn't 'ho hum', but people perceive it that way. There were so many unknowns then. The cars were a way of saying 'Thank you.'"</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></div><h3 style="white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Executive GM Lease Program For NASA </span></span></span></span></span></h3><h3 style="white-space: normal;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Eventually, GM would see big benefits from being affiliated with NASA, so they went ahead and started an executive lease program for NASA employees. If you qualified for the lease program, you could lease a GM vehicle for $1 for one year. According to astronaut Alan Bean, most qualifying employees chose Corvettes, making it an interesting sight to see when you drove past the Space Center and looked in the parking lot. </span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23xyirtFVr7EbtyyfDtCduqrD5CPQqqpupYr5RUXW1NFy32xzYEhyd1fFYdGjQP5S4qVVnP0IOTq7gYRY3_KGCl6_cL0CimBq6Nw5afV9J2iwKcOD3fcQFQt5MGPV6qYOlj5Dnr-D4_5sIe29U7GkDwICTCKh9-dxEYhFu3SdSvbL7ZH21kVtMij1/s400/apollo-12-astronauts-corvettes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Apollo 12 Astronauts With 1969 Corvette" border="0" data-original-height="265" data-original-width="400" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23xyirtFVr7EbtyyfDtCduqrD5CPQqqpupYr5RUXW1NFy32xzYEhyd1fFYdGjQP5S4qVVnP0IOTq7gYRY3_KGCl6_cL0CimBq6Nw5afV9J2iwKcOD3fcQFQt5MGPV6qYOlj5Dnr-D4_5sIe29U7GkDwICTCKh9-dxEYhFu3SdSvbL7ZH21kVtMij1/w400-h265/apollo-12-astronauts-corvettes.jpg" title="Apollo 12 Astronauts With 1969 Corvette" width="400" /></a></div><br /></h3><h3 style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Those Who Fly Together, Drive Together</span><br /></span><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">All three astronauts that boarded the Lunar Module for the Apollo 12 Mission were very close, and all were car guys in their own respect. They became good friends with Jim Rathman, a Chevrolet and Cadillac dealership owner who was also known for winning the 1960 Indy 500. </span></span></div></h3><h3 style="font-family: arial; white-space: normal;"><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-large;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div></div></h3><h3 style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Jim's dealership was located in Melbourne, FL, and its close proximity to the Space Center is what made the friendship between the three astronauts and others in NASA like Niel Armstrong possible. With "Pete" Conrad Jr., Gordan Jr., and Bean successfully completing the Apollo 12 mission, they all decided they should get matching Corvettes with some special visual upgrades to distinctively separate them from the rest of the Corvette owners and lessees.</span></span></h3><h3 style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></h3><h3 style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; white-space: normal;"></h3><h3 style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Rare Riverside Gold Corvette Color</span></h3><div style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It just so happened, in 1969, Corvette was offering a one-time-only Riverside gold exterior color for the Stingray. The three astronauts joined forces with friend and dealership owner, Jim Rathman, who helped aid in getting all three gold Corvettes to his dealership.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: 400;">No one really knows where the black "Wings" were painted on the Riverside gold base paint, but it wasn't at the factory or at Ratham's dealership. As the story goes, the three astronauts took a lot of time to decide on what design they wanted to go with before settling on the black "Wings." </span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMtUldPj_WW4O9AuBmKUkMfdHgt9JaFWWGX9Cj_OdKdV5IVwf-oWdZjtwCDaf-sRpat_nJTHjBYuKn1oUJyOGwvb_PfC1CLsC7hmh_XZ05iN_VaM7kPTVmsicJYrHB9EbZBgxUQqFC-wJgkkY02quQgZOvRz3p6OyR-fXFzMU9FYYI9RElkgcDD50/s398/1969+Corvette+Stingray_TX_2+HVA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="AstroVette 1969 Corvette" border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="398" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMtUldPj_WW4O9AuBmKUkMfdHgt9JaFWWGX9Cj_OdKdV5IVwf-oWdZjtwCDaf-sRpat_nJTHjBYuKn1oUJyOGwvb_PfC1CLsC7hmh_XZ05iN_VaM7kPTVmsicJYrHB9EbZBgxUQqFC-wJgkkY02quQgZOvRz3p6OyR-fXFzMU9FYYI9RElkgcDD50/w400-h268/1969+Corvette+Stingray_TX_2+HVA.jpg" title="AstroVette" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInliUGQomcwkkGjEeh5gJJS_lbsnLcr2wTNFpKxafRzZyFvV6xLs9DMPWiBDRMMbpvvpovepgblgRCTA5CezjBKYN7v47OQTnOJq0zFacRwuIC8c_USSFgobTv2jkyiFFDyQaQJdc0Nelya1ik59qGRBB36ElZojGB1vqtWyFEOhkFHT1UO4C2ONg/s640/black%20wings.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1969 Corvette "AstroVette"" border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInliUGQomcwkkGjEeh5gJJS_lbsnLcr2wTNFpKxafRzZyFvV6xLs9DMPWiBDRMMbpvvpovepgblgRCTA5CezjBKYN7v47OQTnOJq0zFacRwuIC8c_USSFgobTv2jkyiFFDyQaQJdc0Nelya1ik59qGRBB36ElZojGB1vqtWyFEOhkFHT1UO4C2ONg/w400-h266/black%20wings.jpg" title="1969 Corvette Stingray" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="font-family: arial; white-space: normal;"><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-large;"></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-large;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ratham decided to get his friend involved, </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Alex Tremulis. Tremulis was an industrial designer who held automotive design positions at Cord Automobile, Duesenberg, General Motors, Tucker Car Corporation, and Ford Motor Company before later establishing a consulting firm.</span></span></p><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Tremulis and Ratham both did have a hands-on part in the design. Ratham placed the white stripe that separates the black and the gold colors, and Tremulis designed and painted the special red, white, and blue logos on the fender. </span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEXkQXGEsQSVlpLQWLV-7QXmWFOFhjQsD094p7ZkMmaazAAslESwQvJm5rAM6SwK2J1zYo8AbNoHiWzbyr0klwTITdgzLJV5p-nshCj-t0n9Jcr7TYG8U2ziaa2s-z2u0RkQEtiYD8694pp2VUu9gOsMpSJIr0yZJf8FzCiotRZgtHGK3WO21WKU1/s400/Corvette%20astronaut%20emblem.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1969 Corvette Stingray" border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="400" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEXkQXGEsQSVlpLQWLV-7QXmWFOFhjQsD094p7ZkMmaazAAslESwQvJm5rAM6SwK2J1zYo8AbNoHiWzbyr0klwTITdgzLJV5p-nshCj-t0n9Jcr7TYG8U2ziaa2s-z2u0RkQEtiYD8694pp2VUu9gOsMpSJIr0yZJf8FzCiotRZgtHGK3WO21WKU1/w400-h281/Corvette%20astronaut%20emblem.jpg" title="1969 Corvette AstroVette" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div></h3><h3 style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; white-space: normal;"></h3><h3 style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">The Special Red, White, and Blue Emblems and The Meaning</span></h3><div style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The red, white, and blue emblem represent what you would think - America, the American flag, and NASA. Each emblem had a different set of initials drawn out on a certain color of the emblem representing the Corvette owner's rank during the Apollo 12 Mission. </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bean’s LMP initials were placed on the blue tag signifying him as the Lunar Module Pilot. Pete’s initials of CDR were on the red tag of the emblem, which stood for Commander, and Dick’s initials of CMP, for Command Module Pilot were drawn on the white tag of the emblem. </span></span></span></div><h3 style="font-family: arial; white-space: normal;"><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-large;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span>The colors the initials were painted on also represented the color each astronaut used to label their belongings during the Apollo 12 Mission.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-GoTE4iAS6R_TbutK6TScrpH9e1ZfDz468dZOdiVrdi_0JnA4sgARNpyCLTcsXAo4JDEWveyOJBUCjpUgjXdXEQnWlIjFpndJr_tlKfaVPBhmOvcSiO-CN4FXsmegvPvYTDAC4WARk-JUUOha_KTcAvXo-onWbF_pdoI-L7s9wCL2pK6he685CgL/s400/292974.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="396 cu. in. engine" border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-GoTE4iAS6R_TbutK6TScrpH9e1ZfDz468dZOdiVrdi_0JnA4sgARNpyCLTcsXAo4JDEWveyOJBUCjpUgjXdXEQnWlIjFpndJr_tlKfaVPBhmOvcSiO-CN4FXsmegvPvYTDAC4WARk-JUUOha_KTcAvXo-onWbF_pdoI-L7s9wCL2pK6he685CgL/w400-h225/292974.png" title="Corvette Engine" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span><p></p></span></div></div></h3><h3 style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-align: left; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Corvette "AstroVette" Spec.</span></span></h3><h3 style="font-family: arial;"><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-large;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><span id="docs-internal-guid-51a58c2a-7fff-7aea-fea7-14dd83946a7b" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"></span></span></span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px; white-space: normal;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2021/07/1966-corvette-427-big-block-muscle-cars.html">427 CU.-IN. Big Block</a> L36 </span></span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">4-Speed Manual Transmission</span></span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">490 Horsepower - 460 lb.-ft. of Torque</span></span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Four-Barrel Rochester Carbrator </span></span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Hydraulic Four-Wheel Disc Brakes</span></span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Fully Independent Suspension</span></span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Optional Side Exhaust Selected But Not Installed</span></span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Performance: 0-60 mph 6.0 Seconds; Quarter-Mile 14.3 at 93 MPH</span></span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">One-Year-Only Riverside Gold</span></span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Special Steel Wheel Covers</span></span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Curb Weight: 3450 lbs. </span></span></p></li></ul><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8SZjODZWwqdlSkQbqDpfa3_vZLMWQV9F-KgcXmBjiaVo-A1uQ2AN-6WME-ZiBJVp5jzQ5p2NLVXjUl4gmQ4nSsI410BFWWLMqJODqWhPTeSqH3K5E-POv1MrO0IizM2UWqncCtdepi-4i79MTPiwMdfJMyftKTQiIxFtgKAVsTF4wglrmBE93YXc/s400/Astro%20interior.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1969 Corvette "AstroVette"" border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8SZjODZWwqdlSkQbqDpfa3_vZLMWQV9F-KgcXmBjiaVo-A1uQ2AN-6WME-ZiBJVp5jzQ5p2NLVXjUl4gmQ4nSsI410BFWWLMqJODqWhPTeSqH3K5E-POv1MrO0IizM2UWqncCtdepi-4i79MTPiwMdfJMyftKTQiIxFtgKAVsTF4wglrmBE93YXc/w400-h268/Astro%20interior.jpg" title="1969 Corvette "AstroVette"" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></span></div></div></h3><h3 style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;">Where Are The Iconic "AstroVette" Stingrays Now?</span></span></h3><h3><div><div style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Out of the three 1969 Stingray "AstroVette" Corvettes that were delivered to the </span>Ratham dealership for the crew of the Appollo 12 Mission, only one is known to exist. </span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Alan Bean's Corvette is the last AstroVette that is known to exist. It was turned in after the $1, 1-year lease was up. In 1971, it showed up in Austin, TX on a GMAC car lot. It went up for auction, where a space enthusiast by the name of Danny Reed put his bid in. He initially lost the auction, but the original winner could not come up with the money, and Danny eventually won the "AstroVette."</div></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></span></div></div></h3><h3 style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></h3><h3 style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Making the "AstroVette" Perfect</span></h3><div style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The Stingray "AstroVette" was put on track to be restored to its original state to save its integrity, which meant no full restoration. Danny Reed worked with many Corvette experts throughout the process to get it back to its original look - the way it would have looked when it came right off the assembly line with overspray in the correct spots and everything. </span></span></div><h3 style="font-family: arial;"><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-large;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The National Corvette Restoration Society (NCRS) has given it many awards at some of the most prestigious Corvette car shows in the world. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It has been on display at<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="text-align: center;"> NASA events, the <a href="http://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2021/05/1989-corvette-zr-2-big-doggie-455-c4.html">National Corvette Museum</a>, the Kansas Cosmosphere, Flordia Space Center, Johnson Space Center, Houston Space Center, in Washinton, and many other worthy places.</span> </span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Alan Bean has since been reunited </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">many times</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">with his now-famous "AstroVette." Bean has become a painter since his days of walking on the Moon. A lot of his painting work has to do with space and his moonwalking, as he writes, </span></span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">“Our time on the Moon ended much too quickly and, in the years since then, I have created paintings to try to capture the feeling of our Apollo 12 mission, as well as all the other Apollo missions, too. It’s my hope that these paintings will help other people share in the great adventure." </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-Z8HTGrHB_sm3I1JAQTBy5ktLewVpf1j4Ndoo0CD6XXr9CEqC3qGW0jzZDB1vHi0nGXGy5LUM1zU6fRzt6TYHib5Uh8CV9L7Vmlonrl7zfithpgh_q7vGKLGTE1J8lKAm77ndrLNg1_C_g3hjTEyTwhhIXRzV6bzbrOjuxciQxgfrKUVlDjOHTjm/s400/Alan%20Bean.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Astronaut Alan Bean" border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="400" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-Z8HTGrHB_sm3I1JAQTBy5ktLewVpf1j4Ndoo0CD6XXr9CEqC3qGW0jzZDB1vHi0nGXGy5LUM1zU6fRzt6TYHib5Uh8CV9L7Vmlonrl7zfithpgh_q7vGKLGTE1J8lKAm77ndrLNg1_C_g3hjTEyTwhhIXRzV6bzbrOjuxciQxgfrKUVlDjOHTjm/w400-h266/Alan%20Bean.jpg" title="Corvette Owning Alan Bean" width="400" /></a></div><br /></span></div></div></h3><h3 style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">How to Tell If You Found One of The Lost "AstroVette" Stingrays?</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Just like all rare cars, there are some imposters out there, but there is a way to tell if you found a real "AstroVette." Only these three Corvettes in the lease program were special ordered and registered in the lessee's name. This featured Corvette has a tank sticker that says, <span style="background-color: white;">“Courtesy car delivered to Alan L. Bean.” If found, the other two would have a similar tank sticker with the corresponding astronaut's name - </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Richard Gordan Jr or </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Charles "Pete" Conrad Jr. All other Corvettes for the NASA executive lease program were put in the military's name. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOFPA8Nc_wyL7vfInWtupocEzSTGLQh1e0wqLISgeq1vG_nIl_OWiKqZhv6KOzULom8udvUuX6sdlJeSHHWGc1NE7ql-QkUqhnuiodIInHCtGawuLUjYEEpRR3JaC4mYCDMkldjCZuzT72KJCU1fAgdxJxPYbKZB7KIBk1fWXrfGiptky2EIRrC9Z-/s400/Three%20Corvettes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="AstroVette 1969 Corvette" border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="400" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOFPA8Nc_wyL7vfInWtupocEzSTGLQh1e0wqLISgeq1vG_nIl_OWiKqZhv6KOzULom8udvUuX6sdlJeSHHWGc1NE7ql-QkUqhnuiodIInHCtGawuLUjYEEpRR3JaC4mYCDMkldjCZuzT72KJCU1fAgdxJxPYbKZB7KIBk1fWXrfGiptky2EIRrC9Z-/w400-h216/Three%20Corvettes.jpg" title="1969 AstroVette" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="white-space: normal;">There is nothing like a little Corvette and NASA history! The $1, 1-year executive lease program for the astronauts ended in 1971. Whether or not it was because the Space Program became less popular and the executive lease program was less worth it from an advertising standpoint, I'm not sure. But there was a time there for a while when being an astronaut was better than being a Hollywood star or a pro-athlete. </span></span></span></div></span></span></div>Brian Hensley http://www.blogger.com/profile/13992389807220431984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823495275320811710.post-17936850653479722742022-05-01T08:46:00.004-07:002022-05-01T16:30:17.806-07:001982 Buick Grand National: History, NASCAR, And '80s Performance <p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rXr1ZQUmPL9WaUP_L-qXyFOYL2AqIx4Cl-omM9_9rKlwaz9LegYWm-0oJnmu-zZUaTBpT_XNOV9P0JJNFShpXu0sLApTGNzE5YJgHts7i-jMcGNIdvbuVNsbujWqJNJarrgWR9c9RmQKjIn5khM29OVJLybGX_VE9rJmklA-ph_rFeNuEI6Mehia/s1664/1982%20Buick%20Grand.jpg" style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="1982 Buick Grand National" border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1664" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rXr1ZQUmPL9WaUP_L-qXyFOYL2AqIx4Cl-omM9_9rKlwaz9LegYWm-0oJnmu-zZUaTBpT_XNOV9P0JJNFShpXu0sLApTGNzE5YJgHts7i-jMcGNIdvbuVNsbujWqJNJarrgWR9c9RmQKjIn5khM29OVJLybGX_VE9rJmklA-ph_rFeNuEI6Mehia/w400-h225/1982%20Buick%20Grand.jpg" title="Grand National" width="400" /></a></p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Although almost everyone you ask will tell you, there is no such thing as a true Buick Grand National that was not all "Black", the fact is, they'd be wrong! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">They might also tell you there's no such thing as an '82 Grand National, that would also be wrong! The first Grand National was actually born in 1982; it was charcoal grey and silver and has a pretty cool little story to it.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">The Birth Of Something That Would Soon Become A Legend </span></h3><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span>Back in 1981, Buick took to the main stage at NASCAR with their G-Body Regal. A few Regals made their debut in California at the Riverside International Raceway. But it was in Daytona, the second week of the season, where the tides changed for the Regal and set the way for Buick and the G-Bodies in NASCAR for quite a while. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkKNv_vcBdxIfdQuTqrzv-RfIqlfU84q3vRx-Byaa90y0QQqivdjL_Qy-cy57cBOqVjIS-csGi_EgxhG2V9QhCGWJBo83TXLhZqf2HQJVqec7JU4vy0T0ELFOQmArHe8ywXPELNnAGCE1TpvlkgoIspmmGS20OQgUhV7KQA5LFspW9poQZkt0Qq1nH" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="266" data-original-width="399" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkKNv_vcBdxIfdQuTqrzv-RfIqlfU84q3vRx-Byaa90y0QQqivdjL_Qy-cy57cBOqVjIS-csGi_EgxhG2V9QhCGWJBo83TXLhZqf2HQJVqec7JU4vy0T0ELFOQmArHe8ywXPELNnAGCE1TpvlkgoIspmmGS20OQgUhV7KQA5LFspW9poQZkt0Qq1nH=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><h3 style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Richard Petty Wins Daytona 500 In A Regal</span></h3><div>For a record-setting 7th time, Petty takes the checkered flag, but this time in a Buick Regal. This win broke a long drought of 16 years since someone drove across the finish line at a NASCAR event in a Buick. It was last done by Herb Thomas, who did it in 1955 in a '55 Buick Century. </div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><h3 style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Record-Breaking Year For Buick In NASCAR</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></h3></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">Throughout the season, a Buick Regal would cross the finish line first in 22 out of 31 events with just five different Buick Drivers</span><span style="background-color: white;">—</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">Petty, Boddy Allison, Ron Bouchard, Cale Yarborough, and Darrell Waltrip. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;">In the end, Waltrip would bring home the championship title for his team and Buick.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">These efforts brought the NASCAR Manufacturing title home to the Flint, Michigan plant that had been pumping out those Regals since 1978. </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">The new sporty image and the accomplishments at NASCAR that followed prompted Buick to take full advantage of the newfound "This Isn't Your Grandma's Car" image and run with it. </span></span></span></div></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdDAWFdkeRlnNRgy_QyCslwwxu3Rpd7642bM4TjQIL4ZZRnKySGpuPfM343GzknC0K9AT2oVPyGmd3XQXoAprLGInVufzu1Vi5hL1TvRc-ISx7FS49D1r1CoU9P-ifKhwgJpPU6kYQ2lRYD5hMZ8qiTHrIcRtdlO6tg8yC2FUAn8qVs5ntHQSAKji/s640/1982-Buick-Grand-National-Announcement-and-Dealer-Order-Form-Kit-7.jpg" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="1982 Buick Grand National Flyer" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdDAWFdkeRlnNRgy_QyCslwwxu3Rpd7642bM4TjQIL4ZZRnKySGpuPfM343GzknC0K9AT2oVPyGmd3XQXoAprLGInVufzu1Vi5hL1TvRc-ISx7FS49D1r1CoU9P-ifKhwgJpPU6kYQ2lRYD5hMZ8qiTHrIcRtdlO6tg8yC2FUAn8qVs5ntHQSAKji/w300-h400/1982-Buick-Grand-National-Announcement-and-Dealer-Order-Form-Kit-7.jpg" title="1982 Buick Grand National Flyer" width="300" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><span style="background-color: white;">In December 1981, Buick announced that a "Special Edition" Regal was going to be unveiled in the first week of the NASCAR season. This just so happened to be the first time the Daytona 500 would be set for the first race of the season, and is now a staple in NASCAR racing to this day. The Daytona week is like the Super Bowl of NASCAR and prime time for anything special, especially for automotive manufacturers that want to show off something new. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><h3 style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Buick And NASCAR Copyright Issues</span></span></h3></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Buick went ahead and already named their </span></span><span style="background-color: white;">"Special Edition" Regal the "Grand National", the only problem was that NASCAR already had the copyrights to the name</span><span face="-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"" style="background-color: white;">—</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">NASCAR Winston Cup Grand National Series</span></span><span face="-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"" style="background-color: white;">—</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">so NASCAR sued. After some legal wrangling, Buick kept the name but changed the nameplate to the recognizable one everyone knows today</span></span><span face="-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"" style="background-color: white;">—</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">a big turbo-6 on the right side of the emblem, the words "Grand National" stacked on top of each other, and a checkered flag on the left side of the emblem. </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YcML5x43wTimu2hNL5GGg_gqrvCVd4kVq3dxx5vFes-o-JCiSzESKlCf4YA2KTiYz_IpFoPe7X_t2oojg7y9j7l97FZwnIDTLw03ED37gD0A0COG2mphbpguj3ZYppLex12osjj33sq2o08kVz1qYHbi6U1ABdqUzJuMZais58iIxAuCVFrO9xjw/s256/Daytona%2082.jpg" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="1982 Daytona 500" border="0" data-original-height="197" data-original-width="256" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YcML5x43wTimu2hNL5GGg_gqrvCVd4kVq3dxx5vFes-o-JCiSzESKlCf4YA2KTiYz_IpFoPe7X_t2oojg7y9j7l97FZwnIDTLw03ED37gD0A0COG2mphbpguj3ZYppLex12osjj33sq2o08kVz1qYHbi6U1ABdqUzJuMZais58iIxAuCVFrO9xjw/w400-h308/Daytona%2082.jpg" title="Daytona 500" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><h3 style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Daytona 500 Week 1982</span></span></h3></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Now whether or not the Grand National was ever actually unveiled at the 1st Daytona week, no one seems to really remember. Many think it never made it, largely because of the ongoing legal dispute with NASCAR, but regardless, the "Special Edition" prototype GN was done. </span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Not only was the Grand National project moving forward for Buick, but on Feb 14, the day of the Daytona 500, 25 of 42 cars lined up as Buick Regals, and 7 of 10 of them were in the top 10 positions. The race ended just about the same way it started, with Allison winning in his Buick Regal, followed by three other drivers driving Buick Regals. The success continued for Buick throughout the season, and so did production on the Buick Grand National. </span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcmTpbvsUzB5EmsIYIoJ96N_PY5rIc_poi09pQ6QU6nGHoTfNU-PPmReS7QJwx5KDPJe1s1xKnjAbGGZxuvUFTaPaccY0LaX2AkhiYtFOyixmcso2TdXMAe94yR6rkt76WTpuDAjuU0f1gcBRhRgxHUzPYVC6cUMimtwuT-SnP9QJFtD6nFX__Kpx/s1664/buick.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="1982 Buick Grand National" border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1664" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcmTpbvsUzB5EmsIYIoJ96N_PY5rIc_poi09pQ6QU6nGHoTfNU-PPmReS7QJwx5KDPJe1s1xKnjAbGGZxuvUFTaPaccY0LaX2AkhiYtFOyixmcso2TdXMAe94yR6rkt76WTpuDAjuU0f1gcBRhRgxHUzPYVC6cUMimtwuT-SnP9QJFtD6nFX__Kpx/w400-h225/buick.jpg" title="1982 Buick Grand National" width="400" /></span></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h3><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial;">1982 Buick Grand National: What Was Special </span></span></span></h3></div><div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Was the first Buick Grand National fast? By today's standards, not at all! In fact, most soccer Moms' crossovers would take the '82 Grand National out pretty easily. But in 1982, it's sad to say; this V6 would beat most factory V8s on the road, at the same time looking cooler than most of them.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">When I say V6, you're probably thinking of the turbo 3.8-liter that Grand Nationals are known for, but this first GN was a little different. The '82 Grand National came with a 4.1-liter V6 that ran through a 4-barrel quadrajet carburetor naturally aspired. This fun combination would get you a whopping 125 horsepower and 205 lb.-ft. of torque. </span></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2Vwbimilj3qrzGitxXbHjTWhH1Ws6ruClHLeQWWHpTKsYxan64bMAN3n6Q4wvHJoqmwKvjN5k9Mi6rwv4GpyeaWc4gGiubRJXCp10q3fbf6GVlAfiOZIVkgnGrkQU-eeqB0JFxfV1wT-icDROrdKGLjo1T4EIy5aiT27GpGMJOrUFIuL8LMl8rUa/s640/1982-buick-regal-enigne.jpg" style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="1982 Buick Grand National Engine" border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2Vwbimilj3qrzGitxXbHjTWhH1Ws6ruClHLeQWWHpTKsYxan64bMAN3n6Q4wvHJoqmwKvjN5k9Mi6rwv4GpyeaWc4gGiubRJXCp10q3fbf6GVlAfiOZIVkgnGrkQU-eeqB0JFxfV1wT-icDROrdKGLjo1T4EIy5aiT27GpGMJOrUFIuL8LMl8rUa/w400-h300/1982-buick-regal-enigne.jpg" title="1982 Buick Grand National Engine" width="400" /></span></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">There were a few buyers out there that had inside information about the soon-to-be-famous 3.8-liter turbo engine combo, and checked the right boxes on the order sheet. This combo would get the buyer 175 horsepower and 290 lb.-ft. of torque.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Heading Off For Special Treatment</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">All soon-to-be Grand Nationals rolled off the assembly line as normal Buicks and then were shipped off to Cars and Concepts in Auburn Hills, MI, where they received their Grand National treatment. They were all done in Charcoal Gray exterior paint and grey interior but weren't all based on the same Regal. Some base Buick Regals were sent to Cars and Concepts, but so were some Limited and Sport coupe Regals. So for a collector on the hunt for a legitimate one, there are a few different real options out there (do your research). </span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b>1982 Buick "Grand National" Special Edition Upgrades</b> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><ul><li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">215 made plus on prototype</span></span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">4.1-liter V6 naturally-aspired or (roughly) 20 3.8-liter V6 turbocharged</span></span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">125 horsepower (4.1) or 175 horsepower (3.8 turbo)</span></span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">205 lb.-ft. of torque (4.1) or 290 (3.8 turbo) </span></span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Automatic transmission</span></span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Heavy-duty engine and trans coolers</span></span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">3.23:1 rear gear (4.1) or 3.03:01 (3.8)</span></span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">F41 Grand Touring Suspension</span></span></li></ul><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-align: center;"></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3wpvAfQ_UstL0aFHS7QW4ahxdDwZzcbdmN9tUsV9O1x4A2pAiAT6lxt5bE0gP2wt2GIAcooQ89t_cQr0WFdwAgTRxq5D6sQqOrtxM0BGXwkxg8iBQYfbeCKb-FZnONK0UiNUS4hceVoCJV4RozR2OXawBM9q5DY59l6jW7af_RUun7etFuLyuwPW/s1200/gn2.jpg" style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="1982 Buick Grand National Interior" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3wpvAfQ_UstL0aFHS7QW4ahxdDwZzcbdmN9tUsV9O1x4A2pAiAT6lxt5bE0gP2wt2GIAcooQ89t_cQr0WFdwAgTRxq5D6sQqOrtxM0BGXwkxg8iBQYfbeCKb-FZnONK0UiNUS4hceVoCJV4RozR2OXawBM9q5DY59l6jW7af_RUun7etFuLyuwPW/w400-h266/gn2.jpg" title="1982 Buick Grand National Interior" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Cosmetic Upgrades</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Silver stripe in the middle of the charcoal grey paint (hand-laid) red pinstriping separating the Colors (hand-laid) </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Big Buick letters on the back quarter panels and on the back decklid lip</span></li></ul><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiovXZKqMdlwmJ9LYO8BLDel--uxOtKh_pMqw2t16lG6X0yNA1FyyKrZ2WG55dtZAgfoHBe7BUpz7IAmpEFPfURdX4xQ5CnIPBIDspv710ontLIn8_-_S2ilZFxX7PUnSS6U3sjvTTXp1en-Sb72_TrpVFDNZuVkUYASim4_rReHpvXWN1n0Ju-dEe" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="301" data-original-width="400" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiovXZKqMdlwmJ9LYO8BLDel--uxOtKh_pMqw2t16lG6X0yNA1FyyKrZ2WG55dtZAgfoHBe7BUpz7IAmpEFPfURdX4xQ5CnIPBIDspv710ontLIn8_-_S2ilZFxX7PUnSS6U3sjvTTXp1en-Sb72_TrpVFDNZuVkUYASim4_rReHpvXWN1n0Ju-dEe=w400-h301" width="400" /></a></div><br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Blacked-out grille and headlamp door covers</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Special Edition rally wheels w/Buick center caps</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Front bucket seats w/black leather inserts throughout the whole interior</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Leather-wrapped steering wheel</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Center console w/shifter</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Special Grand National gauge cluster </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Special Grand National badging on exterior and interior</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQSADkKaGvLfXogHlLfdUjC0D-Zzda7aWFpjSHzsDoXPkXnLV3S_1mjQ8FgEkLH3hiO48a38yG7ycLcoyXpxznMey85xPu9ss5_5T8xpQu5sJYnPN0sJsJgqHOCi5s6HRP_jj-6dDe4ugqmgoSD7P4hdevKROdcw8plSEONgby0AxjgRR8ct25OlI/s1600/1982-grand-national-gauges%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img alt="1982 Buick Grand National Gauge Cluster" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQSADkKaGvLfXogHlLfdUjC0D-Zzda7aWFpjSHzsDoXPkXnLV3S_1mjQ8FgEkLH3hiO48a38yG7ycLcoyXpxznMey85xPu9ss5_5T8xpQu5sJYnPN0sJsJgqHOCi5s6HRP_jj-6dDe4ugqmgoSD7P4hdevKROdcw8plSEONgby0AxjgRR8ct25OlI/w400-h300/1982-grand-national-gauges%20(1).jpg" title="1982 Buick Grand National Gauge Cluster" width="400" /></span></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It's hard to find these cars in good shape. One of the biggest problems they had was through the years, their lack of power left a lack of enthusiasm to keep them running and looking good. The usual rust invades the lower doors and quarter panels in the usual places, and their interiors are commonly faded and torn from sun damage due to T-tops (some had sunroofs instead). </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">But these Grand Nationals can still be considered collector items thanks to their history and the lack of numbers produced. You could say they started a mid-to-late-'80s revolution of more desirable cars for the auto enthusiast, not to mention they paved the way for the '80s most famous muscle car, the 1986 and '87 Grand National. </span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwISiGS2EHnRSdpzWeN9uOqTdzz-KoTmj76iBgfUAlc2z6SB4AzKwfA2Pt7j8BO7GkGX1LLTu-hQrxSqYAnQBp3MUa4Pp--PIqjkJD4XxnxHYkQT1vxWhzu-xuUGN6xec5fCRw_bG0TMg1l7BlI_XbeTcvZvtPojVJM05ClzPl8JM52NaWjXdSrqW/s800/gn4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img alt="1982 Buick Grand National" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwISiGS2EHnRSdpzWeN9uOqTdzz-KoTmj76iBgfUAlc2z6SB4AzKwfA2Pt7j8BO7GkGX1LLTu-hQrxSqYAnQBp3MUa4Pp--PIqjkJD4XxnxHYkQT1vxWhzu-xuUGN6xec5fCRw_bG0TMg1l7BlI_XbeTcvZvtPojVJM05ClzPl8JM52NaWjXdSrqW/w400-h250/gn4.jpg" title="1982 Buick Grand National" width="400" /></span></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h3><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">How Expensive Were They?</span></h3></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The Grand Nationals weren't as expensive as buying a Corvette, but spending extra cheese on a Buick was something people didn't do much of since the muscle days. With a Regal sticker price of $8,702, you would have to cough up another $3,278 for the Grand National packages and about another $1,000 more if you ordered the turbo 3.8-liter version. With America in a recession at the time, that was a lot of money, and Buick's most expensive styling and performance package it ever sold. </span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaHGT9XVv7LwayEU4obFwy-mzj1BAmH4ozayxExGe1kdhTfkaRpopv_y3nukLn_DqnhTonJxGCU09K5g-ijg4HFI7u1lpEQmRbAM3XVxB8NBmbqfnVFwTPXrEzXLruzwixqooReA7_b9SZM2aavZ2XUwZr5zRh5NwebdWPh7g7Xe1UTpUs_Bkmegn/s1920/1982-buick-grand-national.jpg" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="1982 Buick Grand National" border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaHGT9XVv7LwayEU4obFwy-mzj1BAmH4ozayxExGe1kdhTfkaRpopv_y3nukLn_DqnhTonJxGCU09K5g-ijg4HFI7u1lpEQmRbAM3XVxB8NBmbqfnVFwTPXrEzXLruzwixqooReA7_b9SZM2aavZ2XUwZr5zRh5NwebdWPh7g7Xe1UTpUs_Bkmegn/w400-h266/1982-buick-grand-national.jpg" title="1982 Buick Grand National" width="400" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">All and all, if you found one in good shape, it would be worth buying a 1982 Grand National just to preserve it. And if you found a 1983 Grand National, I have a bridge to sell you because there were no Grand Nationals made in '83. </span></span></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>
Brian Hensley http://www.blogger.com/profile/13992389807220431984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823495275320811710.post-50568784523830907712021-12-26T14:16:00.008-08:002021-12-27T08:07:02.639-08:00'57 Chevy: One Of The Most Influential And Iconic Cars Of All Time!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgScT8Vg6ciGJYAsOfOC9NNp1G_NnmdNyPb5MeG4z3yguc-gfdS1lIM1MbRMFOcm0HobEX_UVRlz8GXSKL7d7uBaS21GFFj_agQhgdBMD8PFgA7OSZ7zgTDiwFMy3n93Ptqo-JaaT7ab3a3MMNI9RKjVjgi0JwgewdaMQX1HoUMNiXxyGaf8ijnjQmT=s1920" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="'57 Chevy Bel Air" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgScT8Vg6ciGJYAsOfOC9NNp1G_NnmdNyPb5MeG4z3yguc-gfdS1lIM1MbRMFOcm0HobEX_UVRlz8GXSKL7d7uBaS21GFFj_agQhgdBMD8PFgA7OSZ7zgTDiwFMy3n93Ptqo-JaaT7ab3a3MMNI9RKjVjgi0JwgewdaMQX1HoUMNiXxyGaf8ijnjQmT=w400-h225" title="1957 Chevy Convertible" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><h3 style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">How Did The 1957 Chevy Come About?</span></h3><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It starts with Chevy's need for change. For the first time since 1918, Chevrolet was willing to offer a V8 in its 1955 Chevy sedan, and with that V8, Chevy thought it would be a good time to get rid of the shoe-box look that they were recently using and try something different. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Chevrolet <a href="https://www.automotivehalloffame.org/honoree/edward-n-cole/" target="_blank">Chief Designer, Ed Cole</a>, wanted to get rid of the shoe-box look by 1956 and have a whole new look for 1957. Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned and the new look never launched forcing Cole and the design team to make do with the shoe-box style for one more year, but there were going to be big changes.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">To help differentiate the '57 from '55 and '56 Chevy, Cole brought in <a href="http://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2018/11/harley-j-earl-four-important.html" target="_blank">Harley J. Earl</a>, a famous automotive designer. Earl had already had huge styling successes under his belt that not only worked out for General Motors, but also influenced the automotive world as a whole. </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjx7vd7tzktll0J4VbvjyjNhRLb7DhPn8Hvz0vJ26d7gddXZOR8F3JcjUzMWD6chrHvCVfV4yNg69W7sx8ubui8535qcM9k5Lecge_Jv7tq6aVe5pF51jg6l7bztK3U6du4R7mG95B-IUrjl-Du_dqCELFfi25r_m1dLPFdDQnE3Rf4E_jlIA1V5HOm=s800" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjx7vd7tzktll0J4VbvjyjNhRLb7DhPn8Hvz0vJ26d7gddXZOR8F3JcjUzMWD6chrHvCVfV4yNg69W7sx8ubui8535qcM9k5Lecge_Jv7tq6aVe5pF51jg6l7bztK3U6du4R7mG95B-IUrjl-Du_dqCELFfi25r_m1dLPFdDQnE3Rf4E_jlIA1V5HOm=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The changes Earl was making to the '57 Chevy would be widely ridiculed by Earl's co-workers, automotive experts, and anyone and everyone who just couldn't see his vision the way he did. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><h3><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">'57 Chevy Dramatic Transformation</span></h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe_SuInjhLxdJp4XGb-9R4gUJNZa_c29NZRg9ClI3ETMOzMlnniodSLj6rCoQ2NRJXEBBOpwObeu2tappW5RteOtfhEexxGyvmCnkwoGE8IAzu05pGJ8tMknCVD23qyh60OSacqq9Gqfe4rAhSEavJCrWg_2xBhaMfUTsHCDRcLtOLB4Q3XQNE2snP=s900" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="'57 Chevrolet" border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="900" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe_SuInjhLxdJp4XGb-9R4gUJNZa_c29NZRg9ClI3ETMOzMlnniodSLj6rCoQ2NRJXEBBOpwObeu2tappW5RteOtfhEexxGyvmCnkwoGE8IAzu05pGJ8tMknCVD23qyh60OSacqq9Gqfe4rAhSEavJCrWg_2xBhaMfUTsHCDRcLtOLB4Q3XQNE2snP=w400-h225" title="1957 Chevy" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Some of the changes were: A new dashboard, a reshaped windshield, sealed cowl, and 15-inch rims to replace the 16-inch rims. Also, Earl decided to relocate the air-ducts to the headlights, which gave the car the big distinctive chrome look in the front. Then he added the iconic quarter-panel fins to the rear to help make the Chevy six inches longer, ultimately giving the Chevy the lowered look that everyone recognizes today.</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOdI9_VbGSiqjzYQgWCt2DGRuYKJL_8xwF8kFxVeUKRZ3TNxX_KruWhXw8xRp79unimByxiNNhxZSFpkiZS1x-r63aJad3Gz2qaSy_OdAHPvvoR7xsYFGTbQUf44G_K9AAOcqO3uaTkyxlA0fSxOPQeHiRApVASXQOwA_rKaQ1o175Mrem6H-b7txm=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1957 Chevy Fuel Injection" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOdI9_VbGSiqjzYQgWCt2DGRuYKJL_8xwF8kFxVeUKRZ3TNxX_KruWhXw8xRp79unimByxiNNhxZSFpkiZS1x-r63aJad3Gz2qaSy_OdAHPvvoR7xsYFGTbQUf44G_K9AAOcqO3uaTkyxlA0fSxOPQeHiRApVASXQOwA_rKaQ1o175Mrem6H-b7txm=w400-h300" title="Fuel Injection" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Other intriguing things that were new with the '57 were a lighter front-end, a bigger engine bay, and new drivetrain options that included a fuel-injection system and a three-speed Hydra-Matic transmission. A dual exhaust was offered with all V8 options for a little more horsepower but more so for the cool sound that it would give the Chevy. </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span style="font-size: large;">In commercials, magazine ads, and on billboards, the Chevy motto was always the same: <b><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/10/automobiles/10chevy.html" target="_blank">"Chevy Puts The Purr Back Into Performance."</a></b></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrl-e2hwbpqO4FiaGWcl8OdKB7kuZC-vVYRKwHAdeLFKBgnElQYk3QxpnRwZMmr_ABv0bmCnFwsMLSQ-WfMp4BtVjtDw4D7YRx5qiBaahJO-dGr_2KHsBgKYknI-zc1fE7emFgP0drT9ucb0RYVFf0NUIbsYamb06tPEXZ_dcNm65DKJPPWPXrGATL=s600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1957 Chevy; New York Times" border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="600" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrl-e2hwbpqO4FiaGWcl8OdKB7kuZC-vVYRKwHAdeLFKBgnElQYk3QxpnRwZMmr_ABv0bmCnFwsMLSQ-WfMp4BtVjtDw4D7YRx5qiBaahJO-dGr_2KHsBgKYknI-zc1fE7emFgP0drT9ucb0RYVFf0NUIbsYamb06tPEXZ_dcNm65DKJPPWPXrGATL=w400-h220" title="Chevrolet" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><h3><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">A 1957 Chevrolet Coupe And Convertible For Everyone</span></b></h3><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://news.classicindustries.com/1955-57-chevy-vin-decoder" target="_blank">Different trim options</a> helped make the car more affordable for the average family and classy enough for those who wanted the feel of something a little more luxurious.</span><br /></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span><h3><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Trim Models Were As Followed:</span></b></h3><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Base: 150 Series</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCREaGBLrWWp-a_tOmOPa15jY6GN1RIioZkvrlN7aGyROcI6kXEjsnXjxG7KIbyM1k8i2OKRleIjZxHl6Fo0ZgWrmPinzojuRl2X96pLDWMalxr7zW5d8iLv73NJW7bd6OUT03ZxGtSHxRZYQHN4ZdigcWJYx5bbTih81W9sK7a3X7vgDXNo19yets=s940" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="'1957 Base 150 Series" border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="940" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCREaGBLrWWp-a_tOmOPa15jY6GN1RIioZkvrlN7aGyROcI6kXEjsnXjxG7KIbyM1k8i2OKRleIjZxHl6Fo0ZgWrmPinzojuRl2X96pLDWMalxr7zW5d8iLv73NJW7bd6OUT03ZxGtSHxRZYQHN4ZdigcWJYx5bbTih81W9sK7a3X7vgDXNo19yets=w320-h213" title="'1957 Base 150 Series" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Base: 210 Series</b></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMlx3CBJm6eQyI7nBZqfpiAvB1GVcPF2paU1NzoPfG2BGJ57AwBWJfsLdxZBU5QRcpkDc06Vo1OLGFbNF7SrFNmBR8Lyr7tim4ddNmwBrgVQqefeUxvoseoV8ZnAWFVUh3-2jMoGjiEVxjFuoEzZm6eaRRyy4F0PgE4Ztb7temdHwpGzVLiXP-3LEV=s790" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="'57 Chevy Based 210 Series" border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="790" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMlx3CBJm6eQyI7nBZqfpiAvB1GVcPF2paU1NzoPfG2BGJ57AwBWJfsLdxZBU5QRcpkDc06Vo1OLGFbNF7SrFNmBR8Lyr7tim4ddNmwBrgVQqefeUxvoseoV8ZnAWFVUh3-2jMoGjiEVxjFuoEzZm6eaRRyy4F0PgE4Ztb7temdHwpGzVLiXP-3LEV=w320-h213" title="'57 Chevy Based 210 Series" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Del Ray: 210 Series</b></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjI7gQunGZCdeiHmtZOw77C7U8e6fG9jjJM4q_3SWIiukL7kpeF65EGbNK8heiqUTyu6hgxGzseOvKn6K6Nb8PhmHW879wCOFiTsAzsScm_7mLsrwmwVfdLzoqWdyaxfFFOnv_8DdF495uGmgsY_24l4IbKTbmozfueTcvYmKFWXvfLO43956xOAUf-=s832" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="'57 Chevy Del Ray 210 Series" border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="832" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjI7gQunGZCdeiHmtZOw77C7U8e6fG9jjJM4q_3SWIiukL7kpeF65EGbNK8heiqUTyu6hgxGzseOvKn6K6Nb8PhmHW879wCOFiTsAzsScm_7mLsrwmwVfdLzoqWdyaxfFFOnv_8DdF495uGmgsY_24l4IbKTbmozfueTcvYmKFWXvfLO43956xOAUf-=w320-h180" title="'57 Chevy Del Ray 210 Series" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Base: Bel Air</b></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoBrJ16l8T6OU79NRfv-T0RvQtj_-ZnZu1sa0cJUXyg84iui90t6nPJnAsVcRxdfEbPgfAJwhoOHEMW7cguu2Hh68H98fvSDrnz2S8xKf5zMzV4LB0yvmVP-uD7DEtdyKSFCjW3BCEZ7YvRV0KuT-7mv5HBeCIaz-4Jd6leqKlrxvbx5RAlIxUjvdg=s1000" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="'57 Chevy Bel Air" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoBrJ16l8T6OU79NRfv-T0RvQtj_-ZnZu1sa0cJUXyg84iui90t6nPJnAsVcRxdfEbPgfAJwhoOHEMW7cguu2Hh68H98fvSDrnz2S8xKf5zMzV4LB0yvmVP-uD7DEtdyKSFCjW3BCEZ7YvRV0KuT-7mv5HBeCIaz-4Jd6leqKlrxvbx5RAlIxUjvdg=w320-h320" title="1957 Chevy Bel Air" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Convertible: Bel Air</b></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRGL617S2wyz2FaJGhrKdpZYfX9aNuO-MlFCpIyJWZTJEvyUYy81V9Ivn2ReyKg5SZrIV_rqhr20clg5cpkb0uCSuwOFj0iAQsgdSNNgOipmEkpvp83XtP1Q6qjOJWF2YX09-RFQuChqddwo5U2iW5yrApNngBFJBHtVT9j0xhgiufn155-eljS8ob=s1123" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1957 Chevy Convertible Bel Air" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1123" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRGL617S2wyz2FaJGhrKdpZYfX9aNuO-MlFCpIyJWZTJEvyUYy81V9Ivn2ReyKg5SZrIV_rqhr20clg5cpkb0uCSuwOFj0iAQsgdSNNgOipmEkpvp83XtP1Q6qjOJWF2YX09-RFQuChqddwo5U2iW5yrApNngBFJBHtVT9j0xhgiufn155-eljS8ob=w320-h171" title="1957 Chevy Convertible Bel Air" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Nomad: Bel Air (station wagon)</b></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjByPm_EQN0skhSuxotln3hVXFBHB31AxfLgHaUx4lu36ymZiADSWr5v-jGjnNhflMGsag2iwig7-zmkqXyYBz5hZDI1GVZTWA_MtAW-nLfn-xlJoqkqFUkTaCtd9NfWk-6AxDHci3eAR0b80w6zHoWQiKYigHcJcG55cNDWVAiDnxxH3ovLKy0D9Kj=s275" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1957 Chevy Nomad Bel Air" border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjByPm_EQN0skhSuxotln3hVXFBHB31AxfLgHaUx4lu36ymZiADSWr5v-jGjnNhflMGsag2iwig7-zmkqXyYBz5hZDI1GVZTWA_MtAW-nLfn-xlJoqkqFUkTaCtd9NfWk-6AxDHci3eAR0b80w6zHoWQiKYigHcJcG55cNDWVAiDnxxH3ovLKy0D9Kj=s16000" title="1957 Chevy Nomad" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>El Morocco: custom hand-built to mimic a Cadillac</b></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3t6AwrhaMj4Y6FWGpgBY8MmOOVEqJXAyvB2Ienst5Zf_HdgGq8tLGA3Zs6-HqY6-RIyuZ9izmmN1oWn14Af8zG_4V5FSBq07E_hkNZbexffCcnjsToHpJhFIbTdvxQK3wpcPakjdboN-ud40OzpWvQ3U3l2lL-eQc6-5Ax_ouCQT3_errRHzYt_e3=s1359" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1957 El Morocco" border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="1359" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3t6AwrhaMj4Y6FWGpgBY8MmOOVEqJXAyvB2Ienst5Zf_HdgGq8tLGA3Zs6-HqY6-RIyuZ9izmmN1oWn14Af8zG_4V5FSBq07E_hkNZbexffCcnjsToHpJhFIbTdvxQK3wpcPakjdboN-ud40OzpWvQ3U3l2lL-eQc6-5Ax_ouCQT3_errRHzYt_e3=w320-h179" title="1957 Chevy El Morocco" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Each version was available in a two-door or four-door body style. The <a href="https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/1957-chevrolet-150-210-series" target="_blank">base "150" series</a> with an in-line six was not only priced very well for consumers on a budget but also did very well when it came to gas mileage compared to the V8s. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">As you went up in models, you went up in comfort and class and, of course, in price. The <a href="https://www.oldride.com/library/1957_chevrolet_bel_air.html#:~:text=The%201957%20Chevrolet%20a%20few%20different%20trim%20levels%3B,a%20custom%20hand-built%20series%20that%20mimicked%20the%20Cadillac." target="_blank">Bel Air and Bel Air convertible</a> was the most popular and expensive models, and in today's market, it is the most wanted by all collectors and car enthusiast alike, even if you're not a Chevy fan, you've probably wished you had a '57 Chevy at one point or another.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><h3><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Choose Your '57 Chevy Options</span></h3><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Each version had options that could be ordered up to make the car more comfortable and luxurious. Some of those options were <span id="docs-internal-guid-114b992a-7fff-04ed-8302-41eb10a9d215"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">air-conditioning</span></span>, power brakes, power steering, a padded dashboard, power windows, and power seats. Color schemes and chrome trim options were another way to show your impeccable taste in automobile selection. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">Also, a signal-seeking radio with a power antenna could be purchased along with a separate speaker that could be placed in the back, and at that time, that's what automotive companies called surround sound. The "Automatic-Eye" was another new option. The Automatic-Eye was attached to your dashboard and could detect on-coming traffic and dim your headlights automatically - high-tech for 1957.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgs-Ljimq3dYzuZeesES67fcO03_ZjkuO4EMO4oJ9xT_XCxVWFGByXRgoofFMlfDOpOAbMqPrxdL6Ff_F-zMxneyK-NpKa_8vFkmprfe-kBaF9w2cXIBMGG7sKE-bDdci_m1uUKJiGEphDQvoLv4_zkgg4PSs6XSpw-hZlkTp_eS5uv0zWvKKpMCqlV=s1000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="'57 Chevy Engine Bay" border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgs-Ljimq3dYzuZeesES67fcO03_ZjkuO4EMO4oJ9xT_XCxVWFGByXRgoofFMlfDOpOAbMqPrxdL6Ff_F-zMxneyK-NpKa_8vFkmprfe-kBaF9w2cXIBMGG7sKE-bDdci_m1uUKJiGEphDQvoLv4_zkgg4PSs6XSpw-hZlkTp_eS5uv0zWvKKpMCqlV=w400-h266" title="1957 Chevrolet 283" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;">One of the things that played a part in making the <a href="http://www.oldride.com/library/1957_chevrolet_bel_air.html" target="_blank"><span><span lang="zxx">'57</span></span> Chevy</a> so desirable was the bigger engine bay it came with. This was important because it made room for the big-block engines that Chevy was making for racing at the time. As drag racing became more popular and going fast was the thing to do, having a '57 Chevy that could accommodate Chevy's big-block engines with virtually no fabrication required was a huge plus to the go-fast racing enthusiast.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Even without the big blocks, you could still make plenty of power by opting for what Chevy called the Power-Pack (283 cubic-inch engine with solid lifters, a 4 barrel carb, and dual exhaust), which would make 275 horsepower right off the showroom floor. </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRf--LY2jKKcOngBoplWobagVkvj9t8RfPiDfwe6clmqz0M359C0Uv4c9GD-mV4_F2uqz1FUSotOsW3cVeMHJ2i1o8hYnkHdnpnyi7ijprmNF80tgpsiH9ghHWWFy3uhrHLXsZxAwkGloCCd9ZhycBrQdO0AYZpDYPweIqvuq1PC2JhTgaRs2GZqL6=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fuel-Injection '57 Chevy" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRf--LY2jKKcOngBoplWobagVkvj9t8RfPiDfwe6clmqz0M359C0Uv4c9GD-mV4_F2uqz1FUSotOsW3cVeMHJ2i1o8hYnkHdnpnyi7ijprmNF80tgpsiH9ghHWWFy3uhrHLXsZxAwkGloCCd9ZhycBrQdO0AYZpDYPweIqvuq1PC2JhTgaRs2GZqL6=w400-h300" title="'57 Chevy Engine Fuel Injection" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Although the <a href="https://www.enginefacts.com/chevrolet283/" target="_blank">283 cubic-inch motors</a> would make 283-hp with fuel injection, that option was often overlooked by consumers at the time because very few people knew how to work on fuel injection setups. Even mechanics were having problems working on the new fuel-injection system. So, if you were buying the car to modify it and or race it, going with the carburated setup you already knew how to work on was a much smarter way to go.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">The odd thing about these desirable collector cars is that in 1957, the sales of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1957_Ford" target="_blank">Ford's '57 Fairlane model</a> ended up out-selling the Chevy. Maybe it was the 1957 Chevy's bold chrome front-end or the rear-fins that threw consumers off. Maybe it was the introduction of the fuel injection and the </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span>3-</span><span>speed Hydra-Matic transmission - both of which consumers were skeptical about. Whatever the case was, by the time the '80s rolled around, these were considered one of the most, if not the most, collectible cars around.</span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibtWc6xI6qZMv5yvoRg3NWoeNyKch6Gvag0pwz5E8HDhveOgh35g9_ksPn1tWygtNzispWJJUYLBMOcr54RCTI5GpNTgf-lNGj5aIZZ-FXDEoo5cMWWu9DVlSz7gvhkjw9L1NDh72uPYJPxY_aPc9G4TW_WQFKMURZtDN-8Ech2riBlAWC_e0H9Uqy=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="'57 Chevy Custom" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibtWc6xI6qZMv5yvoRg3NWoeNyKch6Gvag0pwz5E8HDhveOgh35g9_ksPn1tWygtNzispWJJUYLBMOcr54RCTI5GpNTgf-lNGj5aIZZ-FXDEoo5cMWWu9DVlSz7gvhkjw9L1NDh72uPYJPxY_aPc9G4TW_WQFKMURZtDN-8Ech2riBlAWC_e0H9Uqy=w400-h225" title="'57 Chevy lowered" width="400" /></a></div><br /></span></span><h3 style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><br /></span></span></span><b style="font-family: arial;">Worth Every Penny</b></span></h3></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nowadays, a meticulously restored '57 Chevy Bel-Air can go for around $100,000.00 or more, and a seller could catch even more for a convertible in the same condition. But if you are thinking about buying one, you will want to be <span><span lang="zxx">careful</span></span> and maybe <a href="https://americancollectors.com/articles/classic-car-buying-mistakes/" target="_blank">even seek some professional</a> help before doing so. There are a lot of replicas out there, and it can be very easy to be fooled.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div>Brian Hensley http://www.blogger.com/profile/13992389807220431984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823495275320811710.post-87316378427555307352021-09-18T11:38:00.000-07:002021-09-18T11:38:38.696-07:00TV Tommy Ivo Four-Engine Buick Dragster Heads to Auction<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWN-C5Zq46hfp2dS7NEJLw1aNZ8g4CnPMHG40ccjp1pC2zzLkoAzN9uNaByl5wFv12M6ijGh2TQsLzOFGVf-PRneTTV-kpWWUWashiTwMEKmXcWdy-0sr2McdlQUBw83UlLPqwK3fc5gU/s1024/TommyIvoFourEngineDragster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TV Tommy Ivo 4 Engine Buick Dragster" border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="1024" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWN-C5Zq46hfp2dS7NEJLw1aNZ8g4CnPMHG40ccjp1pC2zzLkoAzN9uNaByl5wFv12M6ijGh2TQsLzOFGVf-PRneTTV-kpWWUWashiTwMEKmXcWdy-0sr2McdlQUBw83UlLPqwK3fc5gU/w400-h251/TommyIvoFourEngineDragster.jpg" title="TV Tommy Ivo" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Talk about a piece of Motorsports history. Coming from a Buick family makes this wild Buick dragster even cooler to me. With a Buick Riveria front end and a Roadmaster Station Wagon rear body frame, this exhibition dragster host four <a href="https://www.macsmotorcitygarage.com/secrets-of-the-buick-nailhead-v8/" target="_blank">Buick 401 cu.-in. Nailhead</a> V8 engines. </span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The rare all-wheel-drive dragster originally raced by the famous <a href="http://www.tommyivo.com/" target="_blank">"TV Tommy Ivo"</a> will be auctioned off in January at the Mecum auto auction in Kissimmee during an eight-day event. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The history behind the "Wagonmaster" and "Tommy Ivo" is vast. </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Before Tommy Ivo sold the, what was then called the "Showboat" dragster to </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/kent-fuller-chassis-maker-extraordinaire.1040747/" target="_blank">Tom McCourry</a></span></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">, it looked like just a regular slingshot dragster with four engines. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZeV48dZVlIAKrpi1I02poaWrUpP8rqrFyUHQUdHgdmTVf-4vZhtmqjWYrKn7gw5raiHcDQeV4eujddg6h8m6mwgbKk5Ks9jS-7b9kjLZLvlpY3lGwGZN9GTOlzioG2qHVyaD62A3Celo/s672/Showboat2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Showboat Dragster - TV Tommy Ivo" border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="672" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZeV48dZVlIAKrpi1I02poaWrUpP8rqrFyUHQUdHgdmTVf-4vZhtmqjWYrKn7gw5raiHcDQeV4eujddg6h8m6mwgbKk5Ks9jS-7b9kjLZLvlpY3lGwGZN9GTOlzioG2qHVyaD62A3Celo/w400-h266/Showboat2.jpg" title="4 engine dragster - Tommy Ivo" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">To keep the exhibition interest alive for the Buick dragster, McCourry had the hand-crafted Buick body fitted for the slingshot and called it the "Masterwagon". Eventually, it was sold back to TV Tommy so he could take it on its last stretch of exhibition work that ended in 1996 at the <a href="https://www.good-guys.com/" target="_blank">Good Guys Hot Rod Nationals</a> in Indianapolis. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8Rn5a0PgkEw" width="320" youtube-src-id="8Rn5a0PgkEw"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">TV Tommy's name had a reason behind it, he was actually a TV star, movie star, singer, dancer, and radio personality. When told by his producers, he had to stop the racing and focus on his entertainment career, TV Tommy chose <b>"Racing" </b>instead. </span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span> Some of "TV Tommy Ivo" Great Racing Accomplishments</span></h3><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">First to Succeed With Buick Power</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">First to Succeed With Dual Engines - Record Breaker of 170 MPH, 175 MPH, 180 MPH</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">First to Succeed With Quad Engines</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">First to Brake the 9-Second Barrier With Dual Engines</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">First to Break Into The 7-Second and 5-Second 1/4-Mile Barrier</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">First to Run Side-By-Side 7-Second Pass Against <a href="http://snakeracing.com/about-us/" target="_blank">Don "The Snake" Prudhomme</a></span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">With Other Racers - Brought Drag Racing to England in a Six Event Exhibition</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Joined The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2005</span></li></ul><p></p><p></p><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlGNaBZOkJpS5krf1fr8bWOmkEo68XS9vZTdGLGfiR-pc-FM6GQBQyHHO240DzhlfSwyd1FoM67GrgbmI80EzgaQCnNTQ7vOi1DdW0TzNDh_l5hcAKqu5fkjOEfaUaq9sw5UEHp-WOAE/s672/wagonmastertommy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TV Tommy" border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="672" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlGNaBZOkJpS5krf1fr8bWOmkEo68XS9vZTdGLGfiR-pc-FM6GQBQyHHO240DzhlfSwyd1FoM67GrgbmI80EzgaQCnNTQ7vOi1DdW0TzNDh_l5hcAKqu5fkjOEfaUaq9sw5UEHp-WOAE/w400-h179/wagonmastertommy.jpg" title="4-engine Dragster" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Masterwagon Car Facts (Mecum)</span></h3></div><div></div><p></p><ul class="lot-highlights hidden-print" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-block: 0em; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 22px;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">This is the original Showboat slingshot dragster</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Built by TV Tommy Ivo</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The Showboat debuted on July 23, 1961, at San Fernando Drag Strip</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The Showboat was converted to the Wagonmaster in 1981</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">30th Anniversary and Final Tour car for 1982</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Last competitive run at the 1982 World Finals at Orange County Raceway</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Vintage run at the July 1996 Goodguys Nostalgia National at Indianapolis Raceway Park</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Four Buick Nailhead 401 CI V-8 engines</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The Nailhead V-8s essentially form two V-16 engines</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Over 1,500 cubic inches and over 2,000 horsepower</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">4-wheel drive</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Two engines drive the front wheels</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Two engines drive the rear wheels</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Black/Orange/Red exterior</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Black interior</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Roll cage</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Chrome side exhaust stacks</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Parachute</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Luggage rack</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">First-ever escape hatch</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Two specially chromed front wheels</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Cragar rear wheels</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Formerly owned by Norm Day</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Centerfold car in the September 2012 issue of Hot Rod Deluxe magazine</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Sold on a Bill of Sale</span></span></li></ul><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The "Masterwagon" will be sold on the eighth day (last day) with over 300 other consignments at the <a href="https://www.mecum.com/lots/FL0122-487700/1981-tv-tommy-ivo-4-engine-buick-wagonmaster/" target="_blank">Mecum auction event</a>. The "Master Wagon" is the original "Showboat" slingshot dragster and is authenticated with an autograph by TV Tommy himself, including his quote to the future owner, <b>"Take Care of My Baby."</b></span></p>Brian Hensley http://www.blogger.com/profile/13992389807220431984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823495275320811710.post-9835606501302105572021-08-18T17:49:00.005-07:002021-08-19T10:17:56.428-07:00Pontiac GTO: Years 2004-2005-2006 <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BNj_VzXmAbHpoxh3uq5fjwTVzculnG92wV3X7fXvvAVeswcu0RWxq8Ngx-x5jPiBero7aMe5lJciLyDASgGsDF9dMadtAEitsctnGkFX21M1R0J2PlP3PEMNBwZmRvlS29Sj2paF_TE/s940/1970_pontiac_gto_1601424092279c4c8c85b481IMG_1476.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="'70 GTO, Pontiac GTO" border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="940" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BNj_VzXmAbHpoxh3uq5fjwTVzculnG92wV3X7fXvvAVeswcu0RWxq8Ngx-x5jPiBero7aMe5lJciLyDASgGsDF9dMadtAEitsctnGkFX21M1R0J2PlP3PEMNBwZmRvlS29Sj2paF_TE/w400-h266/1970_pontiac_gto_1601424092279c4c8c85b481IMG_1476.jpg" title="'70 Pontiac GTO convertible Black" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><h1 style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Muscle Car Pontiac GTOs of the '60s and '70s</span></h1><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">When <a href="http://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2017/01/barrett-jackson-scottsdale-auction-what.html" target="_blank">car enthusiasts</a> hear the name Pontiac GTO, they most likely think of the GTOs from back in the '60s and '70s. You know, back when the cars had heavy steel bodies and big cubic-inch motors. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It stands to reason why that is, for many years the GTOs were some of the most popular muscles cars that were being purchased in the '60s and '70s. But like with all of the other muscle cars of that time, the Pontiac GTO received the ax for more fuel-efficient vehicles. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">1971 was the last year for the Pontiac <a href="http://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2014/03/new-2014-gto-judge-6t9-goat.html">GTO Judge</a>, and 1972 was the last you could buy a GTO with a real classic muscle car look. Although by 1971, GM had already started detuning their cars and running them as unleaded vehicles to comply with emissions, they still had the muscles car look until '73.</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3j8vcY39YfIo8uLdJKVCO2VIso4o9QQ-H-nznkb6c6NwLUf8Hj7IzPmQ7idi6wn5HW5s7Q0jCzubcJW5mClwAhg2GgwbTKLYPBzVHmtyj2oMRJ94rA_QYV8tKfnqg83GhDiyPw8WXC5s/s1250/73+GTO.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="73 GTO" border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="1250" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3j8vcY39YfIo8uLdJKVCO2VIso4o9QQ-H-nznkb6c6NwLUf8Hj7IzPmQ7idi6wn5HW5s7Q0jCzubcJW5mClwAhg2GgwbTKLYPBzVHmtyj2oMRJ94rA_QYV8tKfnqg83GhDiyPw8WXC5s/w400-h224/73+GTO.jpg" title="1973 Pontiac GTO" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The 1973 Pontiac GTO (above) brought about a new body style that just did not look good and wasn't popular back then and or now. Pontiac tried to revamp the old look for 1974 (below), but by then the muscle car era was over and so was the GTO vibe. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Qqve-KfxHj_4pWJKjj4owOtTliJq2DFAlq-PsZeruWAbZbzeS-U7QPiJN4lxBVRByG0N2a4sso-Zrv5SDvJKcJhiKcFA_xcQqBQ4_m_Mn0AtySL4XOx4aunc1aKxMUCeyKReARbHEQo/s640/74+GTP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1974 Pontiac GTO" border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Qqve-KfxHj_4pWJKjj4owOtTliJq2DFAlq-PsZeruWAbZbzeS-U7QPiJN4lxBVRByG0N2a4sso-Zrv5SDvJKcJhiKcFA_xcQqBQ4_m_Mn0AtySL4XOx4aunc1aKxMUCeyKReARbHEQo/w400-h300/74+GTP.jpg" title="74 GTO" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><h3 style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></h3><h3 style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">21st Generation GTO</span></h3><h3 style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></h3><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="21st GTO" border="0" height="300" id="irc_mi" src="http://www.gm-car-parts.com/wp-content/uploads/pontiac-gto.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" title="2005 Pontiac GTO" width="400" /></span><a href="http://www.gm-car-parts.com/wp-content/uploads/pontiac-gto.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Pontiac GTO was one of the lucky few muscle cars that got a chance to be reborn in the 21</span><sup style="font-family: arial;">st</sup><span style="font-family: arial;"> century. For the years 2004, 2005, and 2006, Pontiac brought back the muscle car legend. With LS1 technology, a roomy interior, and a sporty exterior just like the old GTO, the new GTO was a great tribute to what the Pontiac GTO was and is still all about.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div></span><h3 style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">2005 Pontiac GTO</span></span></h3><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYk6azCN8gFsS-I40HKGrsTQMO70RmyY24774mO-BzRpIXyJq4Q2ahWYWtNWZu6nv7QcgOezRS0mMIZEV5a2vQhKLJ4Rgml69V38IWsNkktFZqqKwH7vRgPU8wS6g1rOrOiKXdb0AtjkI/s259/GTO+LS1+Engine+Bay.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="LS1 GTO Engine Bay" border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYk6azCN8gFsS-I40HKGrsTQMO70RmyY24774mO-BzRpIXyJq4Q2ahWYWtNWZu6nv7QcgOezRS0mMIZEV5a2vQhKLJ4Rgml69V38IWsNkktFZqqKwH7vRgPU8wS6g1rOrOiKXdb0AtjkI/w400-h300/GTO+LS1+Engine+Bay.jpg" title="LS1 Engine Bay GTO" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br />In 2004, the Pontiac GTO came with a 5.7-liter LS1 V8 rated at 350 horsepower and 365 ft.-lb. of torque. You could either order one with a 6-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. These days, being happy with a quarter-mile time of 14.3-14.0 flat doesn't sound too impressive, but 17 years ago, that was pretty good for a sedan. </span><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></p><h3 style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">2005-2006 Pontiac GTO</span></span></h3><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkX3-X5AVDWfyytayPBI3cIHhij1x9VTKmxWzsfsgPznahliuEakJYP7ITxhb6fSBktM3RlnTvroy9vXU4G5APCKr7RHxM_BT7hNFtnIZXzTAUHQxQZs0PwX3Z37dHB1fubfrdiNhVws/s1920/2006-pontiac-gto.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2006 Pontiac GTO" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkX3-X5AVDWfyytayPBI3cIHhij1x9VTKmxWzsfsgPznahliuEakJYP7ITxhb6fSBktM3RlnTvroy9vXU4G5APCKr7RHxM_BT7hNFtnIZXzTAUHQxQZs0PwX3Z37dHB1fubfrdiNhVws/w400-h225/2006-pontiac-gto.jpg" title="2006 Pontiac GTO Ram-Air" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><span><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><span><br /></span></span></span></p>For 2005 and 2006, the Pontiac GTO would keep the transmission options the same but get an engine upgrade. GM decided on putting a </span></span></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">6.0-liter LS2 motor in the new-generation GOAT that produced 400 horsepower and 400 ft.-lb. of torque. This new setup managed to cut off about half of a second in quarter-mile time and even more if you had some aftermarket performance parts bolted on. Some mostly stock GTOs seen times slips that dropped into the low-13 second range. </span><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><br /></p><h3 style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lack Luster GTO Suspension</span><br /><br /></span></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuGI7E1385DZ2yOJ55Ys2LBQkLloazXHTfYiS9U8r-1xh_ajqBgj0h6dHQviKwmQpHh6ohZA702oizf248sCEGX5r-LC2da3IokkLBfANatjesy4BLKZu6r2HpnSRuzdruewtiMKB9dM/s640/GTO+body+roll.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Poor 2004, 2005, and 2006 Pontiac GTO Suspension" border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuGI7E1385DZ2yOJ55Ys2LBQkLloazXHTfYiS9U8r-1xh_ajqBgj0h6dHQviKwmQpHh6ohZA702oizf248sCEGX5r-LC2da3IokkLBfANatjesy4BLKZu6r2HpnSRuzdruewtiMKB9dM/w400-h268/GTO+body+roll.jpg" title="GTO with Body Roll" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Unfortunately, the 2004 Pontiac GTO suspension performance was found to be a little less than impressive. They had sluggish reflexes, excessive body roll, and weak brakes. When the sports sedan received the LS2 for the 2005-2006 models, the brakes got upgraded, but the GTO still suffered from a weak suspension. The good news is there are plenty of aftermarket bolt-on suspension parts that can easily be installed in your driveway over a weekend to help fix many of the suspension problems.<br /><br /></span></p></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">The GTO: A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAiR23S290mj7Q_-owH5_Q5HSHTQs656DvVppboIGHKZbGDFfbtj6RuHoZ9xAcGwlYakfArgaAC_77GCAy2zsRF82hoMhXSJkaMzEeD6hfsgPU_wYQTLEuR5QtDiTWReC-60fkxK_gavg/s800/GTO+Front-End.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Front-End Ram Air Pontiac GTO" border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="800" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAiR23S290mj7Q_-owH5_Q5HSHTQs656DvVppboIGHKZbGDFfbtj6RuHoZ9xAcGwlYakfArgaAC_77GCAy2zsRF82hoMhXSJkaMzEeD6hfsgPU_wYQTLEuR5QtDiTWReC-60fkxK_gavg/w400-h211/GTO+Front-End.jpg" title="2005 Pontiac GTO" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">With the various amount of cool colors to shop for, an optional ram air hood that could have been ordered, 15 or 16-inch rims, and a standard retro-looking Pontiac split front grill, the GTO is a good-looking sedan that some might not even recognize as a modern muscle car. </span></p></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">There is one downfall that turned many consumers off, and that was the price tag. Unfortunately, you could buy a Trans Am, Camaro Z28, or Mustang for the price of a brand new Pontiac GTO. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIFbet-XKm3_CjPadS16FHW-tUhXXtOwHWH0VHoG5m76w9uyUKegxTEC6EghYDL49575liDzkiQNo6xWF4xUn-1IPJCdODKQQnhWC7T9yDlCtXMnwCJEZC7yvWTaJc_U5NJbDYSz8uxo/s640/GTO+vs+Trans+Am.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fifth Generation GTO vs Trans Am" border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIFbet-XKm3_CjPadS16FHW-tUhXXtOwHWH0VHoG5m76w9uyUKegxTEC6EghYDL49575liDzkiQNo6xWF4xUn-1IPJCdODKQQnhWC7T9yDlCtXMnwCJEZC7yvWTaJc_U5NJbDYSz8uxo/w400-h300/GTO+vs+Trans+Am.jpg" title="LS2 GTO vs Trans Am" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">One of the nice things about the Pontiac GTO is that if you are looking to buy one now, you should be able to find one for a good price. I've priced them anywhere from around $9,500-$20,000 - depending on mileage and shape - a far cry from the 30k price tag they originally came with. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><br /></span><span>On the low end of the price range, most of the Pontiac GTOs had high mileage, but I would not let that deter anyone. Cars these days, if taken care of properly can last for a long time.</span><span><br /></span><span><br /></span><span>In the end, the 2004-2006 Pontiac GTO is a great buy for car enthusiasts that really like the <a href="https://www.corvsport.com/chevrolet-ls2-engine-specs/" target="_blank">technology of the LS1/LS2</a> motor. With all of the performance capabilities and aftermarket parts for LS engine setups, the GTO is a perfect car for someone who is looking for something that can be fast, but at the same time, reasonable and practical.</span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Brian Hensley http://www.blogger.com/profile/13992389807220431984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823495275320811710.post-22581591500613914622021-08-01T07:47:00.002-07:002023-01-09T04:58:36.591-08:00Corvette ZR1: 1970-72 The Rarest Small-Block Corvettes Ever Produced<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQYDygFN-Hoz29CztdDWMnJrAXO61bP4sSxVeRBT3hdyFlLb9m2o34GCbRoljTCF05OhJSXbw7fR12A2e9tOwDisxyqshswk1htFLiyHgH_HgKT0lOChVz3tUaSUSV-sJhmgRmvjfWTU/s832/1971+Corvette+ZR-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1971 Corvette ZR1" border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="832" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQYDygFN-Hoz29CztdDWMnJrAXO61bP4sSxVeRBT3hdyFlLb9m2o34GCbRoljTCF05OhJSXbw7fR12A2e9tOwDisxyqshswk1htFLiyHgH_HgKT0lOChVz3tUaSUSV-sJhmgRmvjfWTU/w400-h225/1971+Corvette+ZR-2.jpg" title="Orange 1971 ZR1 Corvette" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Out of all the years, the C3 Corvettes were produced, it's usually the '68 and '69 L88 big blocks that tend to grab the attention of the muscle car enthusiast. But the truth is that reaching for a 1970-72 ZR1 would be a much better Corvette to reach for if you're an enthusiast looking for that <a href="http://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2021/02/2009-corvette-zr1-eras-most-pinnacle.html" target="_blank">ultimate muscle/sports car</a>. </span><br /><span><br /></span><span>From <a href="http://gmpowerhouses.blogspot.com/2013/04/1966-corvette-427-start-of-big-block.html" target="_blank">1970 to '72, the ZR1</a> was a limited-edition Corvette that was produced pacifically for the racing world. Only 53 were built: 25 for 1970, 8 for 1971, and 20 for 1972. These Corvettes are great investment cars, definitely poised for growth, especially the ones from 1970 when their horsepower was at its highest.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><script type="text/javascript">
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</script><br /></span><a href="http://www.corvetteblogger.com/images/content/092308_4.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">So what did you get with this Corvette Limited-Edition ZR1?</span></b></span></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="246" id="irc_mi" src="http://www.corvetteblogger.com/images/content/092308_4.jpg" style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large; margin-top: 38px;" width="320" /></h3><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">LT1 350ci. 370HP-suffix CTV-1970, CGY-1971, CKY-1972</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">J-56 heavy-duty brake package with dual pin front brake calipers</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">F-41 heavy-duty suspension package, 7-leaf rear spring, heavy-duty shock absorbers, heavy-duty 5/8 front sway bar, and heavy-duty spindle struts</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Large aluminum radiator w/expansion tank (only LT1 to come with one so far)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Steel fan shroud</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">No radio, air condition, power windows, power steering, alarm system, rear window defrost, no special trim options.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">And all the specialty options that were found on the L88s that were retired the previous year.</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">Designed to Race</span></span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Much like the COPO Camaro, the 70-72 LT1 Corvette was a rare rugged sports/muscle car designed to produce numbers at the track. Although one was designed to produce at the drag strip and one was designed to produce on road courses, they were both designed to race.</span></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">For a car collector who wants to make a good investment, the '70-'72 Corvette ZR1 LT1 is the way to go. The limited numbers produced, the most powerful <a href="http://gmpowerhouses.blogspot.com/2013/04/1966-corvette-427-start-of-big-block.html" target="_blank">Corvette of '70-'72</a>, and well, it's a Corvette makes it a great choice. Also, low options make for low maintenance: power steering, power windows, air condition, etc., can't go bad if you don't have them.</span></span></div><p></p>Brian Hensley http://www.blogger.com/profile/13992389807220431984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823495275320811710.post-68294300951062937012021-07-13T12:07:00.003-07:002021-08-10T19:43:24.242-07:001966 Corvette 427 Big-Block "Muscle Car Era" Begins (Opinion) <p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6obMjN1Q9xcyj4AeGNrrFGQo_WhG9R50wO7_lUuXFOSKQx_WIHirVPvDO6W0MEI6xf2zD_Jw6D5B34_e6dlhWzFYKuiV56Ui4SF5037tp6Rk_kXdR9Qqeonfh8Fq1tZ1d1_8RvqpmTZc/s1000/427+engine.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Corvette 427 Cu-in" border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6obMjN1Q9xcyj4AeGNrrFGQo_WhG9R50wO7_lUuXFOSKQx_WIHirVPvDO6W0MEI6xf2zD_Jw6D5B34_e6dlhWzFYKuiV56Ui4SF5037tp6Rk_kXdR9Qqeonfh8Fq1tZ1d1_8RvqpmTZc/w400-h266/427+engine.jpg" title="1966 Corvette 427 Cubic inch" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><h1 style="text-align: left;">Corvette 427 Big-Block</h1><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Back in 1966, Chevrolet decided to get innovated and give the public something they have been craving – a small sports car with a huge motor. The Corvette was elected to introduce the upgrade that started a revolution of cars that would be labeled "Muscle Cars." </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Making the 396 Bigger </span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Chevrolet created a feasible <a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/1966-chevrolet-corvette-stingray-427-road-test" target="_blank">427 cu.-in. motor</a> for the Vette by taking the already powerful Chevrolet 396 cu.-in. motors and machining the bore and stretching the stroke of the block to a larger 427 cu.-in. This is the same way the legendary Chevrolet 327 cu.-in. engine came about. The Corvette's original 289 block was bored and stroked to a 327. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><br /></span><script type="text/javascript">
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</script><br /></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.volvette.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/slash.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img alt="Related image" border="0" height="196" src="http://www.volvette.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/slash.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Big Block Hood</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><br /></span><span><br /></span><span><br /></span><span><br /></span><span><br /></span><span><br /></span><span><br /></span><span><br /></span><span><br /></span><span><br /></span><span><br /></span></span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span>427 Big-Block Engines Were Available in Two Versions: </span></span></h4><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span>L36 390 horsepower </span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span>L72 425 horsepower </span></span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span>Both engines were available choices given</span><span> to consumers when ordering a Vette, and both engines performed sensationally depending on what kind of fun you were looking to have. </span></span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span>The Extra Cost for the 427 Big-Block</span></span></h4><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>The lower output L36:</b> $185.00 Extra </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>The higher output L72:</b> $350.00 Extra</span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><br /></span><span><br /></span></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span>What </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Came With The High Output L72</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span>The extra cost for the L72 would get you a better-structured motor that included: </span></span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><b>Four-bolt mains</b></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><b>Larger oil fitting ports </b></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><b>Impact-extruded aluminum pistons (11.0:1) compression </b></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><b>More aggressive solid lifter camshaft</b></span></span></li><li><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span>Larger rectangular port cylinder heads</span></span> </b></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><b>Aluminum intake</b></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><b>Holly 780 CFM carburetor</b></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><b>Free-flowing exhaust manifolds</b></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><b>And a K66 transistorized ignition to help complement the other higher output parts. </b></span></span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span>Although the <a href="http://www.classicmusclecarsale.net/chevy-muscle-cars/1966-corvette-427/" target="_blank">L72 was rated at a massive 425-hp</a>, it was a well-known fact the actual horsepower output was well above that publicized rating. The reason for Chevrolet's deception on horsepower numbers was to avoid unwanted backlash from the safety legislation. </span><br /><span><br /></span></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">A Pleasing Power-to-Weight Ratio </span></h3><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span>The 427 big-block Chevrolet motors were a tight fit for the Corvette, but the power-to-weight ratio was very pleasing for speed freaks. Plus, the much cooler big-block hood that came with the Corvette to make room for clearance, told people what was under the hood. </span>Chevrolet would spend about six more years using a big-block powerplant with balls as an option for Corvette consumers. </span><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">All Good Things Must Come to an End!</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span>After 1972, the change to bring about more fuel-efficient cars would change what kind of powerplants all muscle cars would receive. This new change would eventually spawn the end of an era, the "Muscle Car" era. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmZB-A-5KtNxYTJHbgndpmk2Y0MyZutn6nC_hyphenhyphenrErMy7__YzUWa-r1zzeowBIYbdqCUO-_Dgj-NiTuC8Aa2dkQ7alYt0u_2BvARZa80OQJ4Cc6YvA301D6DYwoBmu-jyH6zSn6RKIdQk/s1024/Cross+fire+injection+Engine_Web.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cross Fire Injection Corvette" border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmZB-A-5KtNxYTJHbgndpmk2Y0MyZutn6nC_hyphenhyphenrErMy7__YzUWa-r1zzeowBIYbdqCUO-_Dgj-NiTuC8Aa2dkQ7alYt0u_2BvARZa80OQJ4Cc6YvA301D6DYwoBmu-jyH6zSn6RKIdQk/w400-h240/Cross+fire+injection+Engine_Web.jpg" title="305 Cross Fire Injection" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /><span>Small-block 350s de-tuned and ready to do poor performance was what the American car enthusiast would have to put up with for power through the <a href="http://www.vettefacts.com/C4/1985.aspx" target="_blank">'70s and '80s</a>. In the late '80s and early '90s, change for more power started up again, and since then, there hasn't been much reason to complain. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7sif8KKdpEvRncBhecm296U1y84F3xEUzYJr84WMk_EftpwbiwMaaQmhp-N57_XgkWfWXQICVNz_RfMhDtKwC7jv8E6FJyK6meNslmhiMWuet7zrkHd705D1Ec8hsvj_8cExWkKSkzI/s400/1280px-1998chevroletcamaroz28-engine.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="LS1 5.7-liter" border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7sif8KKdpEvRncBhecm296U1y84F3xEUzYJr84WMk_EftpwbiwMaaQmhp-N57_XgkWfWXQICVNz_RfMhDtKwC7jv8E6FJyK6meNslmhiMWuet7zrkHd705D1Ec8hsvj_8cExWkKSkzI/w400-h300/1280px-1998chevroletcamaroz28-engine.jpg" title="LS1" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The scary acronym EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) has become a household name for all vehicle enthusiasts alike. And boosted and nitrous applications seem to run much better turned by a computer rather than by backyard mechanic techniques. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></p><p><br /></p>Brian Hensley http://www.blogger.com/profile/13992389807220431984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823495275320811710.post-44936880757250976902021-07-04T08:20:00.003-07:002021-08-10T19:46:07.958-07:002021 Z28 Camaro Died on the Vine <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUw1Hf3BfG9Qi8NaV5GpWNlnNTJG7ILc_CjzqWit9Xlk6sItAyAxOd7ng27HxyAJEmj5iqEE3Bf7CiCkzmB0Fg6-aM0FHb0LMMCRyjoPq6DQsW-Ks4ZcPWHr34_EFMfFvj1qIlc82MBNc/s500/Z28.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="New Camaro Z28" border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="500" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUw1Hf3BfG9Qi8NaV5GpWNlnNTJG7ILc_CjzqWit9Xlk6sItAyAxOd7ng27HxyAJEmj5iqEE3Bf7CiCkzmB0Fg6-aM0FHb0LMMCRyjoPq6DQsW-Ks4ZcPWHr34_EFMfFvj1qIlc82MBNc/w400-h225/Z28.jpg" title="No Z28" width="400" /></a></div><br /><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Brand New Z28 - Nope</span></h1></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">There was a Z28 Camaro in the making practically ready to give the Camaro world what they deserved. Unfortunately, General Motors has officially called the program off. Chevy planned to slam the 5.5-liter flat-crank naturally-aspired <a href="http://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2020/02/" target="_blank">600-hp Z06</a> engine into the Camaro and call it a Z28. There were even plans of bringing a manual option to the table since there isn't going to be a manual option for the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/car-news/report-chevy-corvette-z06-delayed-until-at-least-2023/" target="_blank">(production delayed)</a> Corvette Z06 due to transaxle complications. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSI1pI_Sa1VIRpbNeecajorI-exjkRka8oybZFseE31-_gE5fGfffl1tcgd8GCIbtxkrcdTgyECRcwZXh824VZGPrItcGloFnYp-HzkzfT6byH7tTXUArTy0C9uHDKEWQKjhCphbuL-dY/s2048/hear-a-flat-plane-cranked-small-block-from-1959-2019-05-07_18-12-11_728515.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Flat-Crank Chevy Engine" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSI1pI_Sa1VIRpbNeecajorI-exjkRka8oybZFseE31-_gE5fGfffl1tcgd8GCIbtxkrcdTgyECRcwZXh824VZGPrItcGloFnYp-HzkzfT6byH7tTXUArTy0C9uHDKEWQKjhCphbuL-dY/w400-h300/hear-a-flat-plane-cranked-small-block-from-1959-2019-05-07_18-12-11_728515.jpg" title="Flat-Crank V8" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It may not be the end for the Camaro, but it sure seems like it's getting close. This news of the Camaro Z28 cancelation comes after other Camaro packages for 2021 were canceled, and the news of the cancelation for a 55th Anniversary Edition Camaro for 2022.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">What's the problem? </span></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It's simple, low sales. In fact, first-quarter sales for the Camaro in 2021 were lower than they've been in a decade. Last year the Camaro didn't even sell 30,000 units, and at the rate they are selling now, it's not likely they will sell over 20,000 for '21.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZEWIEUTqWERK7bleGCZXU8vAwBIuZqZdrTCg3Q59u8N0rXjwZ4VQCfJ_yhox93fSkSRNlJqRhSqfT2GwJcX1eby6Z6kwuW_BE5_RHPPHbd4cTpD73N5O8a4E1BvelsRNn6jBgBKOk5s/s838/2021+camaro.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2021 Camaro" border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="838" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZEWIEUTqWERK7bleGCZXU8vAwBIuZqZdrTCg3Q59u8N0rXjwZ4VQCfJ_yhox93fSkSRNlJqRhSqfT2GwJcX1eby6Z6kwuW_BE5_RHPPHbd4cTpD73N5O8a4E1BvelsRNn6jBgBKOk5s/w400-h200/2021+camaro.jpg" title="RS Camaro" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Does the Camaro Suck That Bad?</span></span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Not really! Performance-wise, when lined up against its competition, they do quite well. But this proves that performance isn't everything in the sports car market. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Most experts say the exterior styling just isn't as appealing to consumers, and the interior materials and design are not that exciting and low-quality for a better lack of words. Add that in with complaints of low visibility in the cabin and high prices, and you get a low-selling Camaro. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">What's the Future Look Like for Camaro?</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Well, there is no official word as of now what will happen to the Camaro. Chevy has kept a pretty tight lip on future plans like they always do. Who can blame them? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">But one thing that everyone does know is GM is dumping all their money into their EV success, or as I call it, "keeping up with the Jones." </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUj3pMz0v9FwgVqZ2Sokzn6QWE4vS0cnv05aLT9FlfV9M5SDqQjypZ1XVuyclM17X5BYQS0m9rFBSczotbldKYUct_Irqk8KDmBcfcdPLxhWa_qovkBxukgfFqQsjOxuMVCtySyCfsJSo/s1200/GMC_Hummer_EV.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hummer EV at Car Show" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUj3pMz0v9FwgVqZ2Sokzn6QWE4vS0cnv05aLT9FlfV9M5SDqQjypZ1XVuyclM17X5BYQS0m9rFBSczotbldKYUct_Irqk8KDmBcfcdPLxhWa_qovkBxukgfFqQsjOxuMVCtySyCfsJSo/w400-h300/GMC_Hummer_EV.jpg" title="GMC Hummer EV" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It just seems to me that if there are plans on keeping the <a href="http://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2021/06/1997-camaro-ss-30th-anniversary-lt4-slp.html" target="_blank">iconic Camaro</a> around for the future, Chevy is going in the wrong direction. I think, instead of going out quietly and soft, which is the way it looks right now, why not end the Camaro with a bang. There would be a lot of Camaro fans that would love to see a last-generation </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Z28 </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Camaro with a thumping flat-crank 5.5-liter, 6-speed manual in it. </span></span></div><div><br /></div>Brian Hensley http://www.blogger.com/profile/13992389807220431984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823495275320811710.post-24737632794982323452021-06-27T17:46:00.005-07:002021-08-10T19:46:49.390-07:00IROC-Z Camaro: Chevrolet's 1980s Road Course Legend<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfAvBn0uJBrL5ZNmiFB1vu6ym3vtv249YWhNxty_QP_zqD4cFrPyhwUIvLrVMKiD5_reZrGmcy3pSwF9tXc0q3B6WExovoMnAJfV9wdaGp_v3fZmiT0HKtZ_YDZflGb_bMHPGS3ORsTU/s1200/IROC-Z+Camaro.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Camaro IROC-Z" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfAvBn0uJBrL5ZNmiFB1vu6ym3vtv249YWhNxty_QP_zqD4cFrPyhwUIvLrVMKiD5_reZrGmcy3pSwF9tXc0q3B6WExovoMnAJfV9wdaGp_v3fZmiT0HKtZ_YDZflGb_bMHPGS3ORsTU/w400-h200/IROC-Z+Camaro.jpg" title="IROC-Z Camaro" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">IROC-Z Camaro History </span></b></h1><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">Back in 1984, Chevrolet wanted to produce a Camaro that would closely mimic the Camaros that were being used to race in the <a href="https://itstillruns.com/iroc-camaro-specs-7327582.html" target="_blank">IROC (International Race of Championship) Racing Series.</a> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">The good idea was pushed forward when Chevrolet signed on to be the official sponsor of the IROC Racing Series. This move gave <a href="http://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2019/04/1992-camaro-rs-that-never-made-it-into.html" target="_blank">Chevrolet</a> permission to use the name IROC on their Camaros, which in turn spawn the birth of the road course king, "IROC-Z Camaro".</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">The IROC-Z Start</span></span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">Starting in 1985, the <a href="http://www.dancummins.com/classic-spotlight-camaro-iroc-z/" target="_blank">new IROC-Z</a> became available to the public and would go on to be produced as a Camaro performance option until 1990. The turn of the decade brought up the end of the licensing agreement with the IROC Racing Series. Chevrolet had other plans for the future of the Camaro and decided not to renew the sponsorship with the race series and dropped the IROC-Z from production.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">For those years that the IROC-Z was in production, they became such a staple in the Camaro lineup, Chevrolet would drop the Z-28 from production for the years of '88, '89, and '90. The IROC-Z would become your primary choice if you wanted a performance-based Camaro. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">When <a href="http://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2018/01/yenko-camaro-rare-1981-turbo-z.html" target="_blank">Chevrolet</a> halted production for the </span></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">IROC-Z <span>because of their licensing agreement end with the IROC Racing Series, they also had to drop the</span><span> IROC-Z nameplate. After a few years on hiatus, the Z28 performance package was brought back for 1991. </span></span></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The IROC-Z: A Better Camaro</span></b></span></h3><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">What mostly stood out about the IROC-Z is its 5.7-liter (350-cu.-in.) Tune-Port Injection (TPI) engine which was bigger than its sister motor, the 5.0. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jEF58X9bHJhkSK4-JWfYTVui7dHMB_9qN5sDLU-IGPxvrLnClzVpVPc8fGoe1N0AuGqCTW8tx6AqUXGAYjZaABesaiyOMnd6aOW-XDqqEr28SE6H_PBixEfaTI2Mby8EfdPbngcGP1E/s1280/Engine+Bay+Iroc_Z.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="5.7 Liter Camaro Engine" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jEF58X9bHJhkSK4-JWfYTVui7dHMB_9qN5sDLU-IGPxvrLnClzVpVPc8fGoe1N0AuGqCTW8tx6AqUXGAYjZaABesaiyOMnd6aOW-XDqqEr28SE6H_PBixEfaTI2Mby8EfdPbngcGP1E/w400-h225/Engine+Bay+Iroc_Z.jpg" title="5.7 Camaro IROC-Z" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">The 350 TPI came with a four-speed 700R4 automatic transmission and a special suspension package better known as the 1LE package that included: </span></span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">4 wheel disk brakes</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">3.42 positraction rear-end </span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">An aluminum driveshaft</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">Large 12" front rotors</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">Aluminum calipers</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">Engine oil cooler</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">Gas tank baffles </span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">Larger anti-roll bars</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">Specially valved Delco-Bilstein shocks</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">Larger diameter sway bars</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">Steering/frame brace known as the "wonder bar" and</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">More aggressive springs that lowed the Camaro by .05 inches.</span></span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPWv9zxzH6KF1Sh-Y9BLiYstuFNgp0bmdfE2-XQzbqMMIQFoqNNrNMjDHyoPOSLIs5OwAG041s07qPtfAgelHLgV74ocEaF-2toa4Jvs-MzYl6MUNPLCXNNPqFj1fZFSHe2AbiU0hAAI/s1513/1985-chevy-camaro.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1989 IROC-Z Camaro" border="0" data-original-height="1009" data-original-width="1513" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPWv9zxzH6KF1Sh-Y9BLiYstuFNgp0bmdfE2-XQzbqMMIQFoqNNrNMjDHyoPOSLIs5OwAG041s07qPtfAgelHLgV74ocEaF-2toa4Jvs-MzYl6MUNPLCXNNPqFj1fZFSHe2AbiU0hAAI/w400-h266/1985-chevy-camaro.jpg" title="Black Camaro IROC-Z" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">The <a href="http://msclassiccarsllc.com/VehicleDetails.aspx?vid=86" target="_blank">special Camaro</a> would also get 16-inch rims, an upgrade from the smaller 15-inch rims, more aggressive side-skirts for the body kit, large IROC-Z decals on the doors, and special trim.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Although throughout the years the IROC-Z was released from the factory with a few different trim options and setups like t-tops, controvertible, and even a 5-speed transmission, the most common trim options are mentioned above. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Important? </b>It should be noted that although the 5.7-liter IROC-Z Camaros are the most common and sought-after Camaros of all the IROCs, if you're looking to buy an '85, you can find them with the bigger 5.7-liter engines, but they will not be original. In '85, they only came available with the smaller 5.0-liter engine.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOh9hN4O7i6w27E5m0Z1EDeD6UM8RRO8qNUkysnh_3elF4R_McEsjAcFdetjOffFix8ecZpH5Wn3BKLBpSq5hROKss1Zr4_LMxURJjM7tCB80dbeptGwFmFvFFt1_5ka5uSmj4D3F7too/s1920/5.0.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="5.0-Liter Camaro Engine" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOh9hN4O7i6w27E5m0Z1EDeD6UM8RRO8qNUkysnh_3elF4R_McEsjAcFdetjOffFix8ecZpH5Wn3BKLBpSq5hROKss1Zr4_LMxURJjM7tCB80dbeptGwFmFvFFt1_5ka5uSmj4D3F7too/w400-h225/5.0.jpg" title="5.0 Liter Camaro" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately for the IROC-Z, it was produced in a time when power was not a priority, and the horsepower and torque numbers it boasted in the mid-to-late '80s sucked in comparison to today's sports cars. But the reason why the IROC-Z is a collector car and will stay a collector car is not because of its power outputs, but because of its connection to the IROC Racing Series and its road course capabilities. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">Shopping for an IROC-Z Camaro</span></span></h3><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you're searching for an IROC-Z, you must be careful for there are a lot of impostors out there. A lot of the exterior IROC-Z options such as the vented hood, front spoiler, and ground effects options were available for order on regular Camaros, Z28s, and can be bought as aftermarket pieces. So check the VIN numbers and do some research via. some reputable sources before you go laying down big money.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEO4wWISfzWzn7evXCO0X0wypiQ3RZ9O57L4Nd6DyycRPKAJVJfeEiv7J9LV1SeE9JdJfA1BRs21qBkbHnCCoAtUCcPfpJSZokBAG1NWqGas16tpRSOhaoCPfgBxK6kGmuoGf-iufPW4/s450/Iroc.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Red IROC-Z" border="0" data-original-height="239" data-original-width="450" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEO4wWISfzWzn7evXCO0X0wypiQ3RZ9O57L4Nd6DyycRPKAJVJfeEiv7J9LV1SeE9JdJfA1BRs21qBkbHnCCoAtUCcPfpJSZokBAG1NWqGas16tpRSOhaoCPfgBxK6kGmuoGf-iufPW4/w400-h213/Iroc.jpg" title="Camaro IROC-Z" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">If you already own one, I would suggest saving it and passing it on to someone in your family, because in time they will be just as valuable as a Camaro from the Muscle Car era.</span></span></div><p></p>Brian Hensley http://www.blogger.com/profile/13992389807220431984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823495275320811710.post-12336636435975738732021-06-20T10:34:00.015-07:002021-08-10T19:47:59.703-07:00First Camaro Ever Built: #N100001 Found and Restored <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rPujY1vg1jx_pQd25mAA_EdI60u_LPnpOQJkbtGfArJHAS9izmPvKm4M7kbJnxlsgT3BP1sy0zOhcKFRKcn0uRjeWBdfgJeHV2H6o3-a7fru0KW4rVUIBG7I9q_D_vie7WtNzYbgamQ/s640/firstcamaro1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="First Camaro before restoration." border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="640" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rPujY1vg1jx_pQd25mAA_EdI60u_LPnpOQJkbtGfArJHAS9izmPvKm4M7kbJnxlsgT3BP1sy0zOhcKFRKcn0uRjeWBdfgJeHV2H6o3-a7fru0KW4rVUIBG7I9q_D_vie7WtNzYbgamQ/w400-h294/firstcamaro1.jpg" title="First Camaro found and restored." width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">First Production Camaro</span></h1><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">All restorations of iconic vehicles and their facts are very important to the history of the model's bloodline. Where a vehicle's been, who has owned it, special stories of the vehicle, and what makes a vehicle worth restoring in the first place are all things that are very important to the restoration process. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">When Camaro #100001 (the first Camaro ever built) was found, and the attempt to restore it back to its original condition was on its way, just finding out the whole 50-year history of the Camaro took two years alone. Tracking down the owners and recording all their backstories and adventures they had with the vehicle was just part of the process of restoring something so important to automotive history. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Why The First Camaro Matters</span></h1><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8XZqVUuxMWM" width="320" youtube-src-id="8XZqVUuxMWM"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">This special 1967 Camaro started out as a 230 cu.-in. 3-speed sports coupe with a Bronze exterior color and tan interior. It was a far cry from what it ending up being before its restoration, a beat-up old-looking '80s style drag car with a roll-bar, slicks, a hood scoop. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQ5_iv08gHSkhUTqh3hljzpbebnpHqt_S2PF9gWkyvclsUw8DznRo_yvROTaoLZzNG310l8K1DW-n4NUZ50wRqd1E-sCOQCcsgyvT2ElMZrKCNRYPAfANU2MDXG-zIoptwxpMysie2Wc/s840/camaro+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="First Camaro Ever Built" border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="840" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQ5_iv08gHSkhUTqh3hljzpbebnpHqt_S2PF9gWkyvclsUw8DznRo_yvROTaoLZzNG310l8K1DW-n4NUZ50wRqd1E-sCOQCcsgyvT2ElMZrKCNRYPAfANU2MDXG-zIoptwxpMysie2Wc/w400-h266/camaro+1.jpg" title="First Camaro #N10001" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The restoration would include all the options the Camaro had on it back in 1966 including the original engine, trans, whitewall tires, push-button radio, front antenna, and a deluxe seat-belt package. </span></p><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">For a Deeper Look at the First Camaro Ever Built, Check Out the 18 min. Video Below. </span></h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4cGzwpLRHm8" width="320" youtube-src-id="4cGzwpLRHm8"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Brian Hensley http://www.blogger.com/profile/13992389807220431984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7823495275320811710.post-14405178038198003692021-06-17T07:35:00.007-07:002021-08-10T19:49:43.151-07:002022 Corvette IMSA Special Edition Stingray<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCJp914bTtW0NwIL_6XL1Ol8ivkHKaVUn1OxdywPuIJB6O9V-akqugTYoh3CZhOEBjKvankNyi4jVHehrD2mNZI9H85D3VZT33KSE5hujgBv4UuC9pYGwaM8rwPdLX-GW_zNITYvMGD0/s1378/new+Corvette.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2022 Corvette C8.R" border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="1378" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCJp914bTtW0NwIL_6XL1Ol8ivkHKaVUn1OxdywPuIJB6O9V-akqugTYoh3CZhOEBjKvankNyi4jVHehrD2mNZI9H85D3VZT33KSE5hujgBv4UuC9pYGwaM8rwPdLX-GW_zNITYvMGD0/w400-h230/new+Corvette.jpg" title="2022 Corvette Stingray" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">2022 Corvette IMSA Special Edition</span></h1><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The 2022 Corvettes are pretty cool as they are, but to pay tribute to the success Chevrolet and Corvette had with the C8.R in the <a href="https://www.imsa.com/" target="_blank">2021 IMSA inaugural racing season</a>, a special edition Corvette will be available in 2022. Corvette's C8.R and the Corvette team did exceptionally well for Chevrolet last year, winning the manufacturers', drivers', and team titles in the IMSA sportscar championship series. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROiSLrI9_WFRgng4g6n3JAXiMd4dcQdjGec-IyF28UuVDXi-QjV9RzVtzbyvZhQnmhvulu5A4dXPXRfUCWJlwOqEm_wUy2yxlq4ohRM0xhVueLwGeWiYZ-6bM9-Y_B26DzGF2yoAn11I/s640/Detroit+Corvtte.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2022 Corvette Stingray R8.6" border="0" data-original-height="235" data-original-width="640" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROiSLrI9_WFRgng4g6n3JAXiMd4dcQdjGec-IyF28UuVDXi-QjV9RzVtzbyvZhQnmhvulu5A4dXPXRfUCWJlwOqEm_wUy2yxlq4ohRM0xhVueLwGeWiYZ-6bM9-Y_B26DzGF2yoAn11I/w400-h148/Detroit+Corvtte.jpg" title="Detroit News" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">IMSA Corvette Appearance Package</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The 2022 Corvette Stingray ISMA GLM Championship Edition sports/supercar comes with a unique appearance package and all the small mechanical upgrades the Corvette will receive for 2022. Unforntelty, at least I was led to believe, that Corvette was not just going to settle on the C8 the way it was, but from what we know now, not many changes are going to find their way to the 2022 Corvette. Hopefully, mid-way through 2022, talks will start getting fired up about some of the major changes that have been discussed in the past e.i. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="eRay AWD V6 V8 hybrid turbo. " target="_blank">eRay LT2 AWD hybrid</a> and</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> single and twin-turbocharged versions of the Vette.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIuBLvAMILD3xeyXSJnV1JvlzrUYwjZVR0AYG0y3m5i1K-ZclN2F2VF2DojXOjTTx_VQXySgkrgGrzeI-PBvw0bL7ZiwAx2KNg-eE7thm9afoW9ExG9pub9aMUDF9HbQylpLb_mv0gac/s1920/2022-chevrolet-corvette-stingray-imsa-gtlm-championship-edition_100795147.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2022 C8.R Corvette" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIuBLvAMILD3xeyXSJnV1JvlzrUYwjZVR0AYG0y3m5i1K-ZclN2F2VF2DojXOjTTx_VQXySgkrgGrzeI-PBvw0bL7ZiwAx2KNg-eE7thm9afoW9ExG9pub9aMUDF9HbQylpLb_mv0gac/w400-h225/2022-chevrolet-corvette-stingray-imsa-gtlm-championship-edition_100795147.jpg" title="2022 Corvette C8.R" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The <a href="http://www.gmpowerhouses.com/2018/09/corvette-c7r-to-put-another-notch-on.html" target="_blank">IMSA Corvette</a> Stingray appearance package will include two color combinations: Accelerate Yellow with Gray corvette racing graphics and Hypersonic Gray with yellow accents. These special Corvettes will be outfitted with the larger rear wing and mirrors crafted in Carbon Flash.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9h1IXKOVW8k6yVU5f3BRn1pkK77cZlkRIuAYypTkYTpBF7JCUJZ6f9y_1yK4l1MD3zxOCx3uaxiXvSDsdgVZPHHosDdntPTSbZYbcX6mRlMZrokd9vjE4Ji8bwIApWuhkRmy7yaCxjhc/s1500/Corvette+rearend.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2022 C8.R Rear Spoiler" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9h1IXKOVW8k6yVU5f3BRn1pkK77cZlkRIuAYypTkYTpBF7JCUJZ6f9y_1yK4l1MD3zxOCx3uaxiXvSDsdgVZPHHosDdntPTSbZYbcX6mRlMZrokd9vjE4Ji8bwIApWuhkRmy7yaCxjhc/w400-h266/Corvette+rearend.jpg" title="2022 C8.R Corvette" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">They will also include black rocker guards and splash guards, yellow brake calipers, and Black Trident wheels with "Jake" logos on the center cap. On the interior, you get a C8.R Special Edition numbered plaque along with an interior design that follows your chosen exterior look. Yellow seat belts will come with Corvette's GT2 seats, or you can opt for the competition bucket seats for the all-around racing feel and vibe. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVg85h7jufrYvUyNIeB_ReXBbHhybraAz31AOLSpjGEnzHfJaBNnZB5QM05u6cq3b-VhzCDgr21JH-eII7oLb1L2cXl30K2yJ0Vi024MPm2XtDe2YoKv6uwC1nJ-i89W0853HeY8pWWiw/s350/Image-from-iOS12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2022 Corvette Interior" border="0" data-original-height="197" data-original-width="350" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVg85h7jufrYvUyNIeB_ReXBbHhybraAz31AOLSpjGEnzHfJaBNnZB5QM05u6cq3b-VhzCDgr21JH-eII7oLb1L2cXl30K2yJ0Vi024MPm2XtDe2YoKv6uwC1nJ-i89W0853HeY8pWWiw/w400-h225/Image-from-iOS12.jpg" title="Corvette Special Edition Interior" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /> </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">All special edition Corvettes will be sold as a 3LT model with the Z51 package, which is Corvette's highest trim. You will also get a special edition indoor car cover that matches your special edition color scheme. Expect to pay an extra $6,595 for the package along with the extra cost of the 3LT Z51 package. There will only be an official 1,000 models made, so expect for the price tag to be high and the car to be rare to find. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Jb348HGn4ovZbxEvrd81b6-cH9w1j1St-FbvWwhceSij9hsjh4rPpLUAFDQZeOQKyR2K5ZOEIfbAB3kLbe0hdWfrOii7BP_QjlN_CnZmM3BpWKsruqhC43_g34LG3OGcRgMBk3s5tRU/s1920/2022-chevrolet-corvette-stingray-imsa-gtlm-championship-edition_100795147.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="C8.R Corvette" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Jb348HGn4ovZbxEvrd81b6-cH9w1j1St-FbvWwhceSij9hsjh4rPpLUAFDQZeOQKyR2K5ZOEIfbAB3kLbe0hdWfrOii7BP_QjlN_CnZmM3BpWKsruqhC43_g34LG3OGcRgMBk3s5tRU/w400-h225/2022-chevrolet-corvette-stingray-imsa-gtlm-championship-edition_100795147.jpg" title="2022 Corvette" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">What's New for the <a href="https://www.autoblog.com/2021/06/09/2022-chevy-corvette-model-year-changes/" target="_blank">2022 Corvette Stingray</a></span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">As mentioned above, not much will be changing. Even the horsepower and torque rating will be staying the same for the <a href="https://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/24/meet-the-lt1-the-corvette-c7s-new-6-2-liter-small-block-v8/" target="_blank">6.2-liter LT1</a> (490 hp and 495 torque), which is still a good number. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">According to Chief Engineer Josh Holder, the Corvette injection system will be operating at a higher pressure which will help the 6.2-liter small-block get better emissions and better stability at idle RPMs. There have also been some other changes to the enhanced "Active Fuel Management" range. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The Corvette will now deactivate cylinders over a broader range of RPMs and in lower gears. Although the hope would be to get better EPA ratings, there has been nothing noted yet. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The few last changes will be <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/2022-chevy-corvette-stingray-to-come-with-low-profile-spoiler-option/ar-BB1g1Ltq" target="_blank">aerodynamic changes</a> that probably won't be too noticeable. So if you were wondering if the C8 was going to be another long stretch of similar-looking Corvette's year-after-year like previous generations, that's the way it's looking. </span></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Brian Hensley http://www.blogger.com/profile/13992389807220431984noreply@blogger.com